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April 2007
Supplement to Travel Trade

By Carol Eannarino

What destination offers dozens of commissionable options for dining, shows, hotels and resorts, golf, spas shopping and much more?
Viva Las Vegas.

For Home Based travel agents, this world-class destination enjoyed by over 38.9 million visitors every year is a selling dream come true. Moreover, the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority goes out of its way to help agents reap big profits.
“Commissionable opportunities in Las Vegas go far beyond those associated with booking room reservations with the typical 10% rate,” said a spokesperson for the LVCVA. “Travel agents also have the opportunity to design elaborate vacation packages for their clients that are completely commissionable.”

Agents can earn a Las Vegas Travel Certification from the LVCVA after completing 10 test modules online (www.lvcva.com) and finishing the certification process. In addition to becoming Las Vegas experts, agents who complete the program are entitled to a number of benefits, including:

• A Las Vegas Certified Certificate of Completion, which indicates an agent’s superior knowledge of Las Vegas.
• A special logo insignia for use on business cards, stationery and other promotional materials to show that an agent is a Las Vegas specialist.
• Monthly drawings for $100 certificates redeemable at GiftCertificates.com.
• Inclusion in a special database available to the Las Vegas hotel community seeking Las Vegas booking agents. This allows the hotels to provide information, fam tours and incentives to productive agents.
• The LVCVA will host certified agents at dinners at name restaurants, ball games, theater parties, seminars and other activities in their area.
• Automatic registration to receive LVCVA electronic newsletters and other information about Las Vegas and Clark County, NV. This material features commissionable packages, opportunities and other ways to earn more money booking Las Vegas.
• Agents can customize their E-Mail and newsletter preferences by logging into LVCVA.com at any time.
• A special CD of Vegas screen savers. A number of Vegas images may be obtained at www.lvcva.com/pres/media-resources.

What’s Happening in Vegas
Mention “Las Vegas” and people automatically think of glitzy casinos, non-stop nightlife and bargain all-you-can-eat buffets. But today’s Las Vegas offers much more.
For starters, Las Vegas has evolved through the last 10 years to become a top culinary destination. According to the LVCVA, Las Vegas offers the most comprehensive collection of celebrity chefs and world-class restaurants, more master sommeliers than any other city in the world and more wine sold per capita than in any other destination.
Among the many award-winning restaurants are Alex at Wynn Las Vegas, Joel Robuchon at The Mansion at MGM Grand and Picasso and Le Cirque at Bellagio.
Moreover, several properties have taken the Las Vegas buffet to the next level. For instance, The Buffet at TI (Treasure Island) and Cravings at The Mirage both showcase an international line-up with American barbeque, a sushi bar and specialty pastas in addition to the traditional buffet items.

Golfer’s Paradise
Las Vegas recently was named the top emerging golf destination in the world by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. With over 60 golf courses available for play throughout the year, Las Vegas offers challenging, beautifully sculpted courses developed by world-renowned designers.

Hotels and Resorts
There’s something for everyone — including those seeking a luxurious experience, both in and out of the casino. As the LVCVA pointed out, in the last several years Las Vegas has established its place among the ranks of the world’s most “plush” destinations. For clients seeking the good life, a number of top-notch hotels and resorts will pamper them — and pay the agents who book them handsomely.

Show Business
Known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas has long been associated with legendary shows and entertainers. Along with its entertainment staples, Vegas has evolved to include Broadway-caliber productions, such as Monty Python’s Spamalot, world-renowned concert headlines and unique-to-Las Vegas production shows, such as the Cirque du Soleil, which produces shows for a variety of properties on the strip. Superstar headliners, such as Barry Manilow and Celine Dion, are among those who perform regularly