Chinese want to increase tourism

Maybe Las Vegas will see an increase in Chinese travelers soon.

Recently, the Chinese government released a document titled “Outlines of the Chinese Citizens’ Travel Initiatives 2013–2020.” Apparently the report outlines a series of initiatives aimed at increasing travel among Chinese citizens.

Among the specific steps the government will take to enhance travel opportunities for its citizens are building or expanding airports, highways, hotels and attractions; increasing the amount of paid leave for workers; increasing tax deductions for company incentive and conference travel; and allowing schools to expand current travel windows beyond summer and winter breaks.

“This news has extraordinary implications for the North American travel industry,” said Lisa Simon, president of the National Tour Association. “China’s U.S. arrivals have increased dramatically since 2008, so the projection of even more visitors confirms what NTA has been saying to its members: Take steps now to capitalize on this wave of tourists.”

Through October , the number of Chinese visitors to the United States was up 37 percent from 2011.

• • •

Ever had this happen to you? You’re planning a happy hour night, but co-workers can’t make it because they won’t be off in time. Or, you are off in time, but you’re really just getting started when the discounts stop and your wallet says it’s time to leave.

Well, Wolfgang Puck has a solution for that never-ending work conundrum.

At the famed chef’s Postrio Bar & Grill inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, happy hour is offered to guests all day, everyday. Diners can choose from a variety of menu items, sangria, wines and beer, all costing less than $7.

The appetizers, available at the bar only, include house-made meatballs with roasted tomato sauce, tomato-basil arancini with fresh mozzarella, a mini grilled cheese sandwich with Vermont cheddar and grilled beef skewers with house-made steak sauce.

• • •

If you’re looking to take a break from business this spring, here are a few travel tips.

Travelzoo recently released its top 10 tips to help travelers save while planning spring getaways. The No. 1 piece of advice? Travel to a big city such as New York or Chicago, which can save travelers 40 percent to 50 percent during this time of year. Those who can fly on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday also will save more cash than those who have to fly other days of the week.

Travelzoo also suggests traveling to Europe in the spring if you can swing it, as this time of year offers adventurers a 30 percent savings from other seasons. If snow is your thing, end-of-season deals at ski destinations can provide savings of up to 50 percent from peak times.

• • •

Two heavy hitters in adult entertainment have joined forces.

Rick’s Cabaret International Inc., a publicly traded group of gentlemen’s clubs, has obtained a license from Vivid Entertainment, an adult film company, to use Vivid Cabaret as the name for its new midtown Manhattan venue. The agreement marks the first time Rick’s Cabaret has licensed a third party brand name for one of its clubs and the first time Vivid has licensed its name for a gentlemen’s club.

The Manhattan cabaret is at 61 W . 37th St. between Fifth and Sixth avenues in New York City’s fashion district. A subsidiary of Rick’s Cabaret completed the purchase of the business in March. The building is under renovation and is expected to open by October.

Do you have a news tip for Intel?
Email lcarroll@reviewjournal.com.
Be sure to include contact information.