Steve Robinson

Las Vegas is Changing

Las Vegas has been negatively impacted by the recession with annual visitor rates falling by almost five million between 2007 and 2010, resulting in more cheap travel deals, including cheap vacation packages and discount hotel rooms being made available to lure tourists.

In responding to the changing times MGM Grand is closing down its popular free lion exhibit on January 31st and will be closing its once groundbreaking Studio 54 nightclub in early February.

Studio 54 is credited with being a leader in creating nightlife in Vegas.  Prior to this club opening, only a few locals offered wild nightlife scenes.  Back in the ‘90s Studio 54 was a happening place that has since been surpassed.

Casinos and hotels are making changes to do whatever possible to attract ever scarcer visitor dollars.  This includes closing down attractions that face too much competition, particularly night clubs which are now all over Vegas.

Part of the problem is that there are too many of the same types of entertainment for Vegas to support it all.  Spending is seriously down from five years ago.  The older places are being seriously challenged as tourists look for the latest and greatest.

MGM’s lions have been practically synonymous with the hotel which offers 5,000 rooms and one of the world’s biggest casinos.  Now MGM is committed to change things as part of a major renovation of the property.

Plans call for over $160 million to be spent on renovation.  All hotel rooms will be revamped as well as changes made to the casino and public areas.  MGM is determined to constantly be on the lookout for fresh attractions that will keep MGM Grand fresh and new.

Times are certainly changing in Las Vegas.  When visitor count was at its highest level hotels were throwing money around like crazy and happy to offer free exhibits.  Such things drew more foot traffic.  Now casinos are focusing on the nightlife crowd vs. the daytime, fanny pack crowd.

Casinos want to attract the young, money spending crowd.

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