Thanksgiving weekend travel expected to be up more than 10 percent

By Kyle B. Hansen

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

Despite the struggling economy, 42 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more this long Thanksgiving weekend, an 11.4 percent increase from last year, AAA reports.

In the Mountain West, which includes Nevada, the auto club said, more than 3 million people are expected to travel, a 10.7 percent increase from last year.

“We all know that Thanksgiving is the No. 1 holiday to spend with family and friends, and while everyone still has an eye on the economy, when purse-strings and heart strings compete in the tug of war, especially at this time of year, the heart wins out,” AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet said.

Many travelers, however, are trying to save money and are staying with family or friends rather than at hotels, AAA said.

Only 21 percent of Americans will be staying at a hotel or motel this weekend, the auto club said, and just 3 percent are staying at resorts.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority expects 270,000 visitors to the region this week, a 3.4 percent increase from last year.

Because of a 3.5 percent increase in the number of rooms available, however, the estimated citywide occupancy rate is only expected to rise 0.1 percentage points, to 84 percent.

Even people staying on the Strip are still watching their wallets. Despite the slight increase in visitors, the LVCVA said, the nongaming economic impact of the holiday is expected to fall 2.3 percent, to $149.8 million.

To compare, over the last holiday weekend, the shorter three-day Labor Day weekend, Las Vegas had about 290,000 visitors, with a nongaming impact of $160.7 million, the LVCVA said.

If there is a bright spot for Las Vegas, it’s that the weekend will be busier than others in the typically slow end of autumn.

“It’s not the biggest weekend of the year by any means,” Vegas.com Vice President of Marketing Dan Hippler said. “But compared to other weekends in November...it’s higher.”

Vegas.com, a travel and ticketing website, is a sister company to the Las Vegas Sun.

The average room price in Las Vegas is up 7 percent from last year, Hippler said, to $85 a night, and people are booking their rooms further in advance this year. Show ticket sales are up 15 percent this year, Hippler said.

Some off-Strip destinations also expect higher-than-normal visitation. Officials at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area said they expect a busy weekend and may have to temporarily close the 13-mile scenic drive if too many people show up.

Hoover Dam officials also expect a busy weekend, although not as busy as the summer months, spokeswoman Colleen Dwyer said.

Officials at McCarran International Airport also expect a busy weekend, but not as busy as some other times.

The airport expects more than 110,000 passengers each day Wednesday, Sunday and Monday. Many will be people who don’t often travel, unlike the usual business and vacation traveler, so officials are encouraging people to be prepared for the trip.

“Whether it’s in Las Vegas or some other destination, travelers who understand what they’re doing and know how to do it will come out ahead,” Randall H. Walker, director of the Clark County Department of Aviation, said in a statement. “Please think about how to get yourself through the airport most efficiently well before you arrive at the airport. Planning ahead can make all the difference this time of year.”

Officials especially recommend that infrequent flyers take time to prepare for airport security by visiting the websites of the Transportation Security Administration and the airport.

Officials also expect the airport’s long-term and valet parking lots to fill early. Parking should be available at the economy lot on Paradise Road near Tropicana and at the Remote Lot on Gilespie Street near Warm Springs Road. But travelers using those lots should plan to arrive an extra half-hour early for the shuttle ride to the terminal.

Travelers can call McCarran’s parking office at 261-5122 for the most up-to-date parking information.

Free parking also will be available at the Regional Transportation Commission’s South Strip Transfer Terminal, 6675 Gilespie St., near Sunset Road and Las Vegas Boulevard. Passengers can take Route 109 to the airport from the bus terminal.