Las Vegas has surpassed its record for annual visitation, drawing more than 40 million people with two weeks remaining of the calendar year.

Current pacing suggests the destination could approach nearly 41 million visitors by the end of 2014.

The historic milestone marks the continued and rapid expansion of the tourism industry in Southern Nevada, which has achieved ten consecutive months of visitor volume increases, with many of those months being the best on record.

It is the first time the city has ever reached 40 million in visitation, with the previous record set in 2012 with 39,727,000 tourists.

“Las Vegas couldn’t have reached this milestone without the continued investments of our resort partners, and the more than 40 million people who came to experience all the destination has to offer,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

“Ongoing developments in the destination, including new, renovated and rebranded resort properties, exciting new attractions, world-class entertainment, incredible culinary offerings and more are what keep first-time visitors and loyalists returning to Las Vegas time and time again.”

Las Vegas has seen an increase in direct international air service in 2014 with Canada and Mexico proving to be instrumental to visitation growth.
Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of Southern Nevada and the Las Vegas Valley generating more than $45 billion annually and supporting 376,000 local jobs.

Take a look at the thoughts of Breaking Travel News editor Chris O’Toole on a recent visit to the leading North American destination.