The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is a vital organization dedicated to promoting tourism, conventions, and business development in Las Vegas. As the city’s official marketing and tourism agency, LVCVA plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing Las Vegas’s status as a premier global destination, renowned for its entertainment, luxury, and hospitality.

What is LVCVA?

Established in 1955, LVCVA is a government agency responsible for driving economic growth by attracting visitors, businesses, and conventions to Southern Nevada. Its mission is to market Las Vegas as the leading destination for both leisure and business travelers, extending beyond the famous Strip to the broader metropolitan area, which offers diverse cultural and recreational experiences.

Key Functions of LVCVA

1. Marketing & Branding: LVCVA leads global advertising campaigns that position Las Vegas as the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Iconic slogans like “What Happens Here, Stays Here” have reinforced Las Vegas’s international reputation, drawing millions of visitors annually.
2. Convention & Trade Show Support: LVCVA operates the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and continuously upgrades its facilities to accommodate major industry events. A key initiative is the ongoing $600 million renovation of the LVCC’s legacy campus, which aims to enhance technology, improve visitor experiences, and modernize its design. The project is set to be completed by late 2025.
3. Visitor Engagement: LVCVA enhances visitor experiences through digital tools such as mobile apps for navigating attractions and event schedules. It also partners with entertainment venues and sponsors to create engaging events that encourage longer stays.
4. Infrastructure & Economic Development: Collaborating with local governments and businesses, LVCVA helps improve tourism-related infrastructure, including new hotels, entertainment venues, and transportation systems. Investments such as airport expansions and modern public transit ensure convenient access to the city’s attractions.
5. International Outreach: LVCVA engages with international markets through global travel trade shows and targeted marketing campaigns. This ensures that Las Vegas remains a top destination for travelers from Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond.

LVCVA’s Impact on Las Vegas

Tourism is the economic backbone of Las Vegas, contributing tens of billions of dollars to the local economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. LVCVA’s initiatives play a crucial role in sustaining the city’s hospitality, entertainment, and convention industries.

• Visitor Volume: In 2024, Las Vegas welcomed approximately 41.7 million visitors, a 2.1% increase from the previous year’s 40.8 million.
• Hotel Occupancy: The average room occupancy rate was 83.5% in fiscal year 2024, reflecting strong demand compared to the pre-pandemic level of 88.4% in 2019.
• Convention Attendance: Convention attendance in Las Vegas rebounded to near pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, underscoring a strong recovery in the business events sector.

Why LVCVA Matters

Without LVCVA’s ongoing efforts, Las Vegas would face greater competition from other global destinations. By maintaining the city’s position as a leader in entertainment and business tourism, LVCVA plays a critical role in sustaining economic growth. Its strategic initiatives strengthen Las Vegas’s appeal and drive innovation across the hospitality and event industries.

Looking Ahead

As Las Vegas continues to evolve, LVCVA remains committed to investing in technology, sustainability, and new attractions to meet changing visitor expectations. Major projects, including the LVCC renovation and the city’s rise as a sports and entertainment hub, highlight LVCVA’s dedication to securing Las Vegas’s future as a world-class destination.