Las Vegas smashes tourism record 4e3z7

30 December 2015

By Richard N. Velotta

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Las Vegas has broken its own visitation growth record, suring 42 million tourists with New Year's Eve totals still uncounted.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced smashing the record in the morning ahead of Wednesday's release of November statistics, which are expected to be robust.

"Las Vegas couldn't have reached this achievement without the of our resort partners and the dedicated workers who make the Las Vegas experience what it is," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the authority.

"Whether a first-time visitor or a returning Las Vegas enthusiast, the destination continues to astonish travelers from all over the world with luxury resort experiences, world-class dining and exciting entertainment."

Bolstered by new domestic and international nonstop flights, increased convention attendance throughout the year and the successful opening of several music festivals and special events, the city shattered last year's record of 41.1 million visitors.

Official 2015 totals will be announced in January.

The authority said the tourism economy generates more than $50 billion annually and s 366,000 jobs in Clark County — 43% of the total number of jobs in Southern Nevada.