Las Vegas is gearing up for a busy three-day weekend, with travel experts anticipating around 335,000 visitors for the Labor Day holiday.
According to AAA, Las Vegas is a popular market for Labor Day, ranking No. 8 on its list of Top Domestic Destinations. Seattle, Orlando, Boston, Denver, and New York claimed the top five spots.
Despite the increased travel costs, with domestic flights being nearly 20% higher compared to last year, AAA notes that many Americans are willing to pay more for one final summer getaway.
Labor Day has always been a favored time for a final summer getaway, and travelers are still prioritizing vacations with family and friends,” stated Nick Jarmusz, director of public affairs for AAA. “Travelers are excited to maximize the holiday weekend.”
AAA predicts that Harry Reid International Airport, the primary commercial air hub in Las Vegas, will be one of the busiest in the country this weekend. This is because, in addition to being a top destination, many travelers heading to Harry Reid International go on to visit the Rocky Mountain, Arches, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks.
Las Vegas Labor Day
The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) forecasts a 4.4% year-over-year rise in visitors, with 335,000 individuals expected to come to Southern Nevada from Saturday (Sept. 5) through Monday (Sept. 7). The visitors are anticipated to bring an economic impact of $703.2 million, a 4.1% increase from last year’s Labor Day.
Occupancy rates for hotel rooms in casino hotels are expected to exceed 90%. As of June, the LVCVA reported a total of 150,608 hotel rooms in Las Vegas.
Interested in a last-minute trip to Las Vegas this Labor Day weekend? Rooms are still available, but at a high price.
For a two-night stay from Saturday (Sept. 5) to Monday (Sept. 7), Wynn and Encore are priced at $713 per night. The Venetian is $617, Aria is $567, Bellagio is $723, and Caesars Palace is $639.
Even more budget-friendly properties are commanding steep rates. Sahara is $389, MGM Grand is $394, Palace Station is $349, Planet Hollywood is $394, and the Flamingo is $314.
Labor Day History
Labor Day is a day of tribute to the efforts of laborers and the American labor movement. Government offices, including the post office, are closed on Labor Day, as are banks and credit unions, and the stock market.
The origins of Labor Day are debated, but it most likely emerged from trade unions and labor movements in the early 1880s. Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 when Congress passed a bill designating the first Monday of September as Labor Day. President Grover Cleveland signed the bill into law.