TORONTO — Over 80 travel advisors rolled the dice and won big last night, walking away from an industry event in Toronto with fresh insight into Las Vegas’ newest offerings.

Hosted by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Canada (LVCVA) at Delta Hotels Toronto, the event – part of a three-city roadshow that also includes Montreal and Winnipeg – was a chance for advisors to meet and mingle with top suppliers, network with industry experts and win fabulous prizes, including an ultimate Vegas itinerary that the winning advisor will build themselves. The evening included a tradeshow followed by a panel conference and dinner, with suppliers that included: Wynn & Encore Las Vegas; MGM Resorts International; Cirque du Soleil; Sphere; JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa; Caesars Entertainment; Fontainebleau Las Vegas; Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas; and Resorts World Las Vegas.

Speaking with Travelweek, Brea Williams, International Market Executive at LVCVA, says it’s imperative for the organization to strengthen ties with Canada – Las Vegas’ #1 international market – and reinforce the city as a top destination for Canadian travellers – particularly now amid Canada’s ongoing trade war with the United States and when many Canadians are boycotting U.S. travel as a result.

Brea Williams, International Market Executive at LVCVA

“We recognize that there is some uncertainty in the market and sentiment toward U.S. travel varies across different regions of Canada,” says Williams. “But while some travellers are reconsidering their plans, we are also seeing strong interest in key segments, particularly in experiential travel, luxury getaways, marquee events and unique outdoor adventures – all of which Vegas has to offer as the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World.”

Noting how LVCVA is closely monitoring booking trends, Williams adds: “Our focus remains on working closely with our partners and the travel trade to provide Canadians with compelling reasons to visit, ensuring they see the value and diversity of experiences available.”

The best way to do this, says Williams is to meet with advisors face to face so that the LVCVA can provide firsthand destination insights, address any questions or concerns and strengthen partnerships to drive visitation.

“Canadian travel advisors play a crucial role in influencing booking decisions, particularly at a time when travellers are seeking added value and expert guidance. By engaging directly, we can ensure Las Vegas remains top of mind and continue to grow marketing share within the Canadian travel sector,” says Williams.

SELLING TIPS FOR ADVISORS

Williams is all too aware how Canadian travellers may be undecided about booking U.S. travel right now. But she maintains that there are still many compelling reasons to visit – and advisors can help clients feel confident in their decision. She offers the following selling points to highlight when promoting Las Vegas:

• Unmatched Experiences & Entertainment: “Las Vegas offers world-class entertainment, dining and attractions that can’t be found anywhere else.”
• Exceptional Value & Exclusive Offers: “Many Las Vegas hotels, attractions and travel providers are offering exclusive promotions and value-driven packages that help maximize the travel budget, offsetting concerns about the exchange rate.”
• East of Access & Direct Flights: “With frequent direct flights from major Canadian cities, getting to Las Vegas is convenient and hassle-free. Short flight times make it an easy, quick getaway.”
• Year-Round Warm Weather: “Unlike other destinations affected by seasonal shifts, Las Vegas offers year-round sunshine and comfortable temperatures, making it the perfect escape from Canadian winters or unpredictable weather.”
• Versatile Travel Experiences: “Whether clients are looking for a relaxing spa retreat, outdoor adventure in nearby national parks, a sports getaway or a high-energy nightlife experience, Las Vegas caters to every type of traveller.”
• Exciting New Attractions & Events: “The city is constantly evolving, with new hotel openings, attractions and major sporting events – including Formula 1, NHL, NFL and more – offering fresh reasons to visit again and again.”

WHAT’S NEW IN LAS VEGAS

In the ‘city that never sleeps,’ it goes without saying that there’s always something new in Las Vegas. With more than US$15 billion in new investment expected over the next several years, there’s never been a more exciting time to visit.

New offerings and updates include Bally’s Las Vegas’ transformation into Horseshoe Las Vegas, which includes a renovated Jubilee Tower (now known as Versailles Tower), a $100 overhaul of 756 guestrooms and a new pedestrian bridge that connects to Paris Las Vegas. MGM Grand Hotel & Casino has also announced a $300 million room and suite remodel, while The Mirage Hotel & Casino has closed its doors to make way for The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, scheduled to open in spring 2027.

As for major attractions, AREA15 is undergoing a significant expansion with the development of the Vegas Immersive District, a 20-acre addition that will include a hotel, residential housing and additional entertainment venues. Opening this month is Grand Prix Plaza, the largest immersive F1 fan experience in North America. And hitting the stage this year are Kelly Clarkson with a new residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace from July and November, Kenny Chesney who’ll be headlining Sphere in Las Vegas with his own residency, and the Backstreet Boys, who’ve also just announced a summer residency at Sphere.

TRAVEL ADVISOR RESOURCES

The LVCVA Canada team has made it incredibly easy for travel advisors to stay up to date on the destination’s endless stream of new offerings.

“We curate a series of events and programs designed to educate, engage and reward Canadian travel advisors while reinforcing Las Vegas as a top travel destination. Our initiatives include sales missions, exclusive training opportunities and immersive brand experiences,” says Williams.

• Events & Sales Initiatives: These include a variety of events designed to strengthen relationships with travel trade partners and boost their Las Vegas bookings. Eastern & Western Canada Sales Missions connect Las Vegas partners with top travel agencies across key markets, while a Secondary Market Sales Blitz targets emerging markets to expand the city’s sales potential. The LVCVA also hosts FAM trips in collaboration with airline and tour operator partners.
• Vegas ON Webinar Series: The LVCVA’s monthly Vegas ON webinars offer travel advisors direct access to in-depth presentations from Las Vegas partners, covering resorts, attractions and new developments. Each session also includes exciting giveaways.
• Agent Events in Major Canadian Cities: The LVCVA is hosting a series of immersive events in major cities across Canada to highlight the city’s cuisine, entertainment and sports offerings. Attendance is by invitation only, with travel advisors selected based on their Las Vegas bookings.
• Learn & Earn Agent Portal: This one-stop platform is the LVCVA’s dedicated online training hub where travel advisors gain access to knowledge and tools to drive their Las Vegas sales. Features include training modules on local resorts and attractions, digital resources like brochures, guides, maps and insider PRO tips, Group Booking Assistance, a hotel contact directory, a ‘Commissionable Vegas Listing,’ and a Vegas Insider Newsletter complete with regular updates on new attractions, events and industry news.
• Vegas Rewards Program: Travel advisors are encouraged to join the LVCVA’s Vegas Rewards Program. For every confirmed booking they report to LVCVA, they will be rewarded with points that they can redeem for hotel accommodations, merchandise, entertainment, tours, attractions, show tickets and more. To join go to https://www.taconnect.net/rewards/lvcva.

For more information on travel to Las Vegas go to www.visitlasvegas.com or www.lvcva.com.