July 4th Holiday Expected to Attract 330K Visitors to Las Vegas, Record US Travel Forecasted

Posted on: July 3, 2019, 09:26h. 

Last updated on: July 3, 2019, 09:30h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Travel experts say this week’s July 4th holiday falling on a Thursday will lead to increased tourism across the country.

July 4th Las Vegas holiday casino
The sky above Las Vegas will become even brighter during the July 4th holiday extravaganza. (Image: YouTube)

For Las Vegas, Independence Day is expected to draw 330,000 people to town. If that number is realized, it will be a roughly one percent premium on July 4th last year.

Visitation tends to increase when the holiday falls on a Thursday, as many visitors extend their stay to a three-day weekend,” Las Vegas Conventions and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) spokesperson Lori Nelson-Kraft said.

The LVCVA predicted 316,000 visitors would roll into town in 2018 for the holiday, but the masses outpaced estimates.

Lyft is offering up to $20,000 in ride credits for Las Vegas users. The rideshare company says those who use the code “SMART4TH” can redeem two $5 credits. The offer is part of the Las Vegas Coalition for Zero Fatalities.

Las Vegas Festivities

If you’re one of the many venturing to Las Vegas this week, there is of course plenty planned to celebrate the country’s independence. Booking a premiere view of the city’s fireworks show will come at a premium.

A table on the 51st floor at Rio Las Vegas’ VooDoo Lounge starts at $350. The Stratosphere Tower, the tallest building in Las Vegas and tallest freestanding observation tower in the US, is entirely booked for July 4 at its Top of the World Restaurant.

The main fireworks show launches at Caesars Palace. Pedestrians will pack the Strip, and some of the best views can be found on the casino resort’s Spanish Steps.

Las Vegas Boulevard won’t be closed during the fireworks show, so expect sidewalks to be packed. Casinos will be too, and naturally that’s leading to elevated hotel room rates.

Booking site Hipmunk told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that median nightly rates are up 16 percent compared to last year.

Downtown, The Plaza always puts on a good show in the sky. Located on the western end of the Fremont Street Experience, the casino is promising its best fireworks display yet. Before the show, a hot dog eating contest will be held at 6 pm.

Holiday Travel

AAA says in its Fourth of July preview that it expects a record-breaking 48.9 million Americans to travel this Independence Day. That’s nearly 15 percent of the US population. Of those 48.9 million travelers, 41.4 million are expected to do so by automobile.

As Independence Day approaches, it’s time for the much-loved family road trip and this year will be one for the record books, with more Americans than ever planning vacations,” AAA Travel VP Paula Twidale declared. “This holiday builds on the strong travel demand seen for Memorial Day, and with schools now out of session across the country, families coast to coast are eager to travel.”

AAA cites a strong economy, and low gas prices as the two leading reasons for the travel increase. As for top destinations, Las Vegas ranks No. 4 behind Orlando, Honolulu, and Seattle.