Las Vegas visitation up slightly in October

October wasn't that great for Las Vegas tourism.

Although the monthly Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority visitor count marks the 20th consecutive gain in prior-year comparisons, it wasn't by much. Total visitor volume was up only 2.7 percent from the same month in 2010, and citywide lodging occupancy rose only 1.9 percent. About 3.42 million tourists came to Las Vegas in October.

But, when you look at the year-to-date comparisons, the city has hosted 32.9 million visitors, a 4.5 percent increase over 2010.

Scott Russell, senior research manager for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said volatility is expected.

"You're going to have nuances. Year-to-date gives a better view as to where you're going," Russell said.

Applying that theory to hotel and motel occupancy, the numbers look good.

Year-to-date, citywide occupancy rose 3.9 percent; hotel occupancy rose 3.8 percent and motel occupancy rose 5.2 percent.

But, when you look at the month-to-month comparison, hotel occupancy only rose 2.4 percent and motel occupancy actually decreased 1.3 percent.

Russell said the city's relatively small number of motels in comparison to hotels contributes to volatility in those statistics.

"A small change can be dramatic," he said.

October's weekend occupancy only increased by 1.2 percent over 2010, but midweek occupancy rose 2.6 percent, likely fueled by a significant increase in convention attendance.

The average daily room rate, however, rose 12.2 percent, to $114.68 a night from $102.19 in October 2010.

Las Vegas had 4.04 million occupied hotel-room nights in October -- 4 percent more than a year ago.

Convention attendance during October was 457,686, up 9.2 percent. The American Dental Association and the National Business Aircraft Association both came to the city in October and had 45,000 and 27,000 attendees, respectively. This was the first time in recent years that both shows were in Las Vegas.

The average daily number of vehicles coming into Las Vegas showed a 2.5 percent decrease in October, from 97,311 a year ago to 94,920 this year. The number of vehicles coming from Southern California along Interstate 15 was down 1.7 percent.

Russell said imperfections in the auto traffic count methodology come into play. Passengers are not counted, and it is unknown whether Las Vegas is the destination or the drivers are just passing through.

"It's not a perfect science," Russell noted.

Elsewhere in Clark County, the number of Laughlin visitors fell 10.1 percent while Mesquite visitation was down 1.9 percent.

Contact reporter Laura Carroll at lcarroll@lvbusinesspress.com or 702-380-4588.