Las Vegas’ growing popularity among international travellers is no secret, but new data garnered primarily from US Department of Commerce research suggest the international visitor market now contributes more to Las Vegas’ bottom line than ever before.

The recently released figures show that international visitors made up almost a fifth (18 per cent) of total visitors in 2010, representing an increase of 17.8 per cent from 2009. 

These non-domestic visitors are also proving high value, generating over a quarter (27 per cent) of total tourism revenue in 2010. 

The UK continues to be a major contributor to the international tourism numbers with Las Vegas experiencing an increase of a fifth in direct UK air passenger arrivals between June 2010 and May 2011. 

This is due to the expansion of BA’s direct flight capacity in response to growing consumer demand, a trend set to continue following the introduction of Virgin Atlantic’s new Manchester route in May 2011.

British Airways also recently boosted capacity to the American destination.

“International visitors are one of our identified growth markets,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).

“Our goal is to increase the international market share to 30 per cent over the next ten years.”

The LVCVA promotes Las Vegas globally with the help of 15 partner offices representing more than 70 countries.

City.Mobi

Also in the United States today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Las Vegas.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Las Vegas.Mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.