Sample Op-ed
Topic: Preparing Nevada for increased international travel.
The year 2016 was a standout year for tourism in the state of Nevada. Direct flights are now being offered from Beijing to Las Vegas and direct flights between Hamad International Airport of Qatar and McCarran International Airport rumored to begin within the next year. This paired with a steady 9 percent increase year-over-year on room tax income since 2011, and international visitor numbers expected to rise 15-20 percent by 2020, leaves no doubt that tourism has been, and will continue to be one of the largest economic drivers within Nevada.
It seems that Las Vegas is quickly becoming the world’s gateway into Nevada. But just beyond the flashing neon lights and lively dramas unfolding at the casino tables, the small towns and state parks of Nevada are beckoning for adventures to come explore all that our beautiful state has to offer.
Each region and town in Nevada has something unique to offer, from the breathtaking views at Valley of Fire State Park located just northwest of the Las Vegas Strip, the unique experience of the extraterrestrial highway, the old west feel of Pioche and Spencer Hot Springs in Austin, Nev., and even further north into cowboy country where visitors can welcome views of the picturesque Ruby Mountains. Informing and inviting our international visitors to experience these destinations and immerse themselves in Nevada culture should be a top priority as we look to continue our promotion of tourism within the state.
The predicted increase of international visitors over the next three years provides us with an opportunity to share the rich history, culture, and beauty of our entire state with millions of new faces in the coming years.
The forecasted increase in tourism for the year 2017 also leads one to wonder how this will impact the job market in Nevada. According a 2015 analysis which was produced for the Economic Forum, predictions for 2017 show an additional 60,000 new job opportunities to be presented in both the retail and leisure and hospitality sectors combined. This would bring the number of Nevadans employed by the travel and tourism markets well above 500,000 individuals.
So how can businesses in Nevada prepare for this increase in international tourism?
One major focal point should be on investing in infrastructure that will support an increased volume of travelers, which will help to cut down on the amount of traffic caused by increased visitor numbers. Implementing tourist excursions to nearby locations such as state parks or historical locations near the larger tourist destinations would provide an easy way for visitors to have a taste for what else Nevada has to offer.
In addition to this, promoting our existing services, such as TravelNevada’s “Road Trip” section of its website could provide visitors with an easy, pre-planned mini road trip to one of the hidden gems of the less-explored Nevada, thus showcasing the old-western style towns and scenic landscapes that rural Nevada has to offer.
The year 2017 should be just the tip of the iceberg in terms of increased international visitor attendance, and together we can give them a taste of the many wonders of the silver state that will keep them coming back for more.