Visitor numbers for April increase almost five percent from last year

Tourists descended on Las Vegas in greater numbers as the total visitor count in April rose 4.8 percent from one year ago to 3.35 million.

This year's numbers came despite a sharp rise in gasoline prices, which topped $4 a gallon in the critical Southern California market. The car count at the state line at Primm rose 3.4 percent from a year ago.

Convention attendance, a major contributor to the improving numbers during the first quarter of this year, rose 2.2 percent. By contrast, the number of conventioneers rose 8.8 percent during the first four months of this year, outstripping the 5.0 percent gain in total visitors.

With the number of hotel rooms almost flat, occupancy rose 3.7 points to 87.7 percent. The average daily rate hit $105.67, up $8.80.

Contact reporter Tim O'Reiley at toreiley@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5290.