Viva Las Vegas!

I just returned from my very first trip to Las Vegas!  Wow!  What an experience!  The highlight of the trip apart from spending all that time alone with my wonderful husband, was seeing Terry Fator in concert.  He's the Ventriloquist who won America's Got Talent a few years ago.  He was amazing! 

What spoke to me the most though was meeting up with Las Vegas locals and hearing their stories about how the economic downturn has affected the city of Las Vegas and their lives personally.  We found out that Vegas' primary industry is not gaming, but conventions!  Before the recession hit, Las Vegas enjoyed approximately 56,000,000 visitors every year (most of those coming because of conventions).

During the worst part of the recession, 2400 conventions cancelled in a two year period, which dropped their tourist population down approximatly by 30,000,000 visitors.  Nevada was the hardest hit state in the US by this recession.  People are struggling to make ends meet, keep their homes, marriages and families intact.  It broke my heart to hear the pain in the voices of the people who make Las Vegas their home.

People just like you and I trying to live their lives to the best of their ability.  The disappointment and anger was plainly evident in their voices.  The house prices have plummeted and one local man told us that they are expecting things to get worse over the next two to five years before they get better.  If you look past the glitz and the glamour that we all see Las Vegas to be; if you look past the Casinos and the fabulous hotels and night life that Las Vegas offers; if you look past everything that makes Las Vegas famous, you will see the hurting people of that wonderful state.  And yet, they are friendly, helpful, go out of their way to make your visit the most wonderful visit you've ever had.  You leave that city feeling as though you are royalty.

So, if you are considering holiday plans, consider Las Vegas.  You will have the time of your life and you will help contribute to the economy in a city full of people just like you and me.  Make it a great day and thanks for reading.

Thanks for visiting today, Cathy Your Calgary Life Coach