Most people see me around Las Vegas or in photos with my signature Bombay Sapphire martini with whole jalapeno in one hand and a showgirl on each arm. Why is that you may ask? I’m living the brand, and that brand is serving as the Official Ambassador of Las Vegas for tourism.
Everyone knows that I am very dedicated to Las Vegas and all that it has to offer. In 2011, The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) created a permanent Host Committee with two main objectives: 1. To welcome the many business and leisure visitors to Las Vegas’ citywide conventions and special events. 2. To educate the local community about the value of tourism to Southern Nevada.
LVCVA recognizes the importance of tourism support
Typically, cities create temporary host committees to support event-specific initiatives but the LVCVA recognized the need for constant community support due to the vast number of exciting events all year long. In fact, Las Vegas is home to more than 22,000 conventions annually! In creating this ongoing Host Committee, Las Vegas set a new standard for promoting our city as the most fabulous destination for both business and leisure travel.
Tourism is the economy’s lifeblood
Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy, supporting nearly half the jobs in the area and generating $50 billion in economic activity each year. Attracting more visitors is critical to the continued growth and success of our city. A key to attracting both new and repeat visitors is delivering on the brand promise by providing the best possible experience for tourists.
The Greatest City on the planet
I have always said that Las Vegas is the greatest city on the planet, and it’s our tourism industry that makes that true. The 41 million people who visit each year support jobs for 43% of the total workforce, and generate $350 million for schools, roads, and parks from the hotel room tax. So you can see, tourism is not just a benefit for those who work in the industry, it provides benefits to every one of us who live here.
As the Official Ambassador of Las Vegas, I understand the value of welcoming our visitors, but I can’t do it alone. I’m asking our entire community to help roll out the red carpet for our visitors and make them want to come back again and again.
Ambassador Host Committee supports tourism
The Host Committee relies on our ambassadors in the community to emphasize the importance of tourism to their colleagues, peers and neighbors. There are a number of ways to get involved, posting important tourism-related announcements on social media or on digital signage and attending networking events throughout the valley.
The Host Committee communicates with ambassadors on a monthly basis via a newsletter which provides talking points and other relevant information as to how you can help. In addition, we send out detailed talking points about the major conventions and special events so you stay informed and help promote Las Vegas the top destination for leisure and business visitors.
Through the Host Committee, you can also request my services as a guest speaker for local associations or organizations. I’m also happy to provide messaging about the importance of tourism to be included in newsletters.
Become a Las Vegas Host Committee Ambassador
Anyone from the community can become a Las Vegas Host Committee Ambassador by registering on our website www.lvcva.com/host or they can email our office at [email protected]. It costs nothing other than your commitment to better our community.
Remember, being a great place to visit makes Las Vegas a great place to live. Follow us on twitter @VegasHosts and use the hashtags #TourismMatters and #VegasMeansBusiness.
Guest blogger: Oscar B. Goodman, Official Ambassador of Las Vegas