Las Vegas airport has biggest passenger decline since 1981 – USATODAY.com — Another indicator that things are grinding to a halt.
About 44 million passengers flew in and out of McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas in 2008, a 7.7% decline from 2007.
The numbers released by the Clark County Department of Aviation include a 14.1% decline in December to about 3.2 million, and reflect the recession that has undercut Las Vegas tourism.
It’s the biggest year-over-year percentage decline since traffic fell from 10.3 million in 1980 to 9.5 million in 1981.
found by John Ligums
44 Million? Woo! That’s my number! I won $10!
Look at the bright side. Spouses and partners will be less likely to get Gonorrhea.
Just wondering, how much of this is cancelled conference attendances. We’re not sending staff to conferences unless they can show a carbon offset for the jet fuel usage.
#2. Thanks, for looking on the bright side. Made my day.
So let them start offering some killer deals. Gas is down. Unused rooms don’t make money. Let the town subsidize it like it used to and I’ll be there in a flash.
#5 – They already have. In the past year I’ve stayed at the Wynn, the Palazzo (the new addition to the Venetian), and the Bellagio. In the past two months, each has contacted me with various deals that are significantly better than their usual spam.
Currently in my inbox is a scaled deal from Bellagio, offer up to 25% off of any room. In general the deals are on the smaller rooms: The high rollers are still coming to occupy the suites.
two things…more people might be driving in from areas on the west coast instead of flying and just wait until Vegas legalizes prostitution. That will help GET THINGS UP!
Fewer people have money to spend on gambling, trips, conferences, etc. And with airport security, would you want to get on an airplane?
Like the housing bubble pop, haven’t we all thought “How long can Vegas keep building these large Hotels/Casinos especially in view of increasing competition from Indian casinos?”
Its one of the drawbacks of the free market system–anything profitable will be pursued until everyone loses money thru over supply. Thats not a call for central planning–just a note for all of us to note the pattern.
This is actually good news. The last time I was in LV, December, 2002, it was so choked with traffic and humans that I vowed never to return. If I want to get stuck in traffic jams with millions of people I can stay home!
Oh, and remembering back when I was forced to stand outside in the 100 degree heat and watch my mother play slots through the window, when did they start letting children into the casinos? They were everywhere, some even being coached by parents to pull the handle.
And, #6, 25% off of the price of a Bellagio room is still not much of a deal. A room for $35 is a deal. It’s only a roof, a television, a bed, a shower and a toilet, perhaps use of a pool.
If I get the urge, I’d much, much rather go to Laughlin, Reno, or if I feel the need for scenery at a higher price, Tahoe.
So… What happened in 1980 – 1981 to scare-off the punters?
#10: Agreed. Last time I was in Vegas was about 6-7 years ago when I drove a friend out who had a flight out of McCarran. My wife and I wandered around Vegas for a little bit before driving back home and it was just crap. Now granted, neither of us gamble so there isn’t a whole lot to do, but every single time I’ve been in Vegas in the past 20 years or so, for conferences or the like, I’ve hated it and couldn’t wait to get out of there.
The decline of trade shows and conventions are part of the reason for the decline.
Maybe now, the wait for a taxi at McCarran won’t be so ridiculously long.
I wonder how much of this drop is realted to the expansion of Indian gaming? In California, we even have non-indian gaming places. So why go to Vegas?
I dont think its a RECESSION problem.
MORE people gamble during recession/inflation, then at any other time.
I think its MORE of a COST of getting there.
Airlines still havnt lowered prices.
And last year, when the price of gas was OVER $3 per gallon. PEOPLE started wondering IF’ they could get there.
As for conventions…COST, is the major problem.
At this time, SOMEONE could build a NICE facility setup. and start making GOOD money.
Maybe a free escort with every room booking would help?
It would seem to me that gamblers are the cannarries in the coal mine. They waste money gambling, have less money than the average person as a result, and are unable to vacation as a further result.
Less people in the airport makes it more likely I go on vacation!
And LV has changed over the years…ALLOT..
Rooms used to be cheap..
MEALS were cheap..
It wasnt so CROWDED..
Wasnt so POLLUTED..
Yeah, it’s very slow here. Lots of bargains to be had if you know where to look or who to ask.
#10 – There’s always traffic on the Strip. That will probably never change. I’ve learned how to get around the city while avoiding the tourist traffic on the Strip.
#9 – Yup, and MGM/MIRAGE’s bubble burst right in the middle of building City Center. Or maybe because of it, I don’t know. They’ve already had to scale back their plans for it and now they’re trying to sell off some of their properties (Excalibur, Luxor & Mandalay Bay) to help keep it afloat. They should have just built a really nice themed casino/resort there instead of the monstrosity that’s slowing arising there. It’s just a big, ugly construction zone at the moment and I don’t think that there are people knocking down the doors to buy the condos there.
If property values ever come back up, we’re selling the house and getting the heck out of here.
All they need to do is sponsor a scientific study that claims people live longer, or stave off dementia, who visit Vegas regularly. And the crowds of stupid tourists will return. Or make more glamorous Tv shows and movie about the place. That’s what they’ve been doing all along. NBC took “Las Vegas” off their schedule, and see what happened? “CSI” (NV) isn’t the best vehicle for inspiring a visit.
I just read where rooms were $25/night at Circus Circus last week. That sounds like a deal to me and I like Circus Circus. It’s the only place I ever stay in LV.
10.3 million in 1980, 9.5 in 1981 and 44 million in 2008. WTF! The Reagan Revolution was good for The Mob!
off topic
Best singer I heard in Vegas was a janitor singing as he mopped the floor at the airport around 5 in the morning as I caught a flight to Vancouver.
I had the enjoyment of listening to him for about 10 minutes before some moran started in on the one armed bandits.
The guy really was an amazing singer plus the acoustics where he was working at just seemed to all go together perfectly.
Anyhow, whatever.