The Entertainment Capital

Illusion is everywhere in Las Vegas. A 50-story Eiffel Tower looms over the Strip, gondoliers "o sole mio" their way down an ersatz Grand Canal, and acres of neon turn night into multicolored day. Gamblers defy reason (and the considerable odds against winning) in their attempts to seduce the goddess of chance, while onstage extravaganzas manipulate reality with mind-bending special effects. Even a meal can be an adventure, whether at an over-the-top, all-you-can-eat buffet or in a house of haute cuisine that you wouldn't expect to find in the Nevada desert. Head out of town and you'll come across otherworldly landscapes that nature has etched over the years. Yes, a trip to Las Vegas offers a chance to surrender to fantasy - and you'll have the time of your life doing it. Las Vegas is showgirls with smiles as white as spotlights and head wear as big and bright as fireworks. It's a place where thousands of people earn their living counting billions in chips, change, bills, checks, and markers.

The largest city in Nevada, Las Vegas is 2,030 ft above sea level. It's one of the most remote large cities in the country: the nearest major population center to the west is Barstow, California, 2½ hours away; St George, Utah, is two hours to the east. There are lavish gourmet spots, but the inexpensive restaurants and buffet dining here can be cheaper than preparing a meal at home. Entertainment is abundant and reasonably priced. Las Vegas is possibly the easiest place in the world to receive freebies -- the ubiquitous "comps." And best of all, gambling promotions such as coupons, slot clubs, paycheck bonuses, and drawings provide a fighting chance to win in the casino. In the back of everyone's mind is the idea that a trip to Las Vegas can be free or even a money-making vacation.

Scenic Getaways

Mt Charleston is 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Las Vegas with its highest elevation at 11,918 feet (3,615 meters). The place is perfect for skiing, picnicking, hiking and horseback riding.

Death Valley is located in western California, 135 miles (216 kilometers) from Las Vegas and a mere 40-minute plane ride away. This scenic wonder has the lowest elevation on the North American continent at 280 feet (84.93 meters) below sea level. Points of interest include Zabriskie Point, 20 Mule Team Canyon and Scotty's Castle. Tours are available.

The Grand Canyon in western Arizona lies approximately 300 miles (480 kilometers) - a one-hour flight from Las Vegas. Over millions of years, the Colorado River carved this natural wonder that is one mile deep and 277 miles long. Sightseeing air tours of the Grand Canyon depart Las Vegas daily for half-day, full-day and overnight excursions. The lure of the most magnificent of the seven natural wonders. An inexplicable urge to get acquainted with Mother Nature's crown jewel. A lifelong desire to come face to face with the world's deepest chasm. Of all that may pull you to the Grand Canyon, nothing is more powerful than Grand Canyon Railway's fleet of vintage locomotives.

Sightseeing, Shopping & More

Adventure Tours in the Great American Southwest offers Sightseeing tours from Las Vegas, Grand Canyon Adventure and Grand Canyon sightseeing from Las Vegas, Colorado River Rafting and GrandCanyon White Water Rafting from Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon and Gold Mine Tours all from Las Vegas are offered by Adventure Photo Tours, voted the best Desert 4x4 and Grand Canyon sightseeing tours in Las Vegas, Nevada.

If one is thinking of shopping, then there's the Las Vegas Outlet Center with 130 stores sporting brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Waterford Wedgwood and many more. Added to this, we also have Meadow Mall in northern Nevada's largest and most contemporary shopping centre featuring over 100 stores including Macy's, JCPenney, Sears, Copeland Sports and The Palms Food Court

The MICE Industry

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) was founded to strengthen the area's convention business, thereby eliminating a critical economic problem: the cyclical nature of the tourism industry. Currently, Las Vegas has nine million square feet of convention and meeting space, including the Las Vegas Convention Center's recent South Hall expansion.

The Las Vegas Convention Center: Centrally located in the Las Vegas Valley, with convenient access to nearly 127,000 guest rooms and in close proximity to McCarran International Airport, the Las Vegas Convention Centre is among the largest convention centers in America.

Cashman Center: The site encompasses 534,000 square feet on a 50-acre site, comprising 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, 17,569 square feet of meeting room space, a 9,370-seat stadium and a 1,922-seat theater. In addition to sporting events, the venue has hosted a plethora of events ranging from concerts to Broadway productions to television productions in its state-of-the art theater.

Embassy Suites Hotel Convention Center - Las Vegas: The largest all-suite, upscale hotel chain in the country has one of the most beautiful Embassy Suites conveniently located in the heart of Las Vegas. Within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Sands Expo Center, and the world famous Las Vegas "Strip" makes us the ideal location for business or leisure.

The JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort, Golf & Spa is an ultra-luxurious, European Spa and beauty treatment centre with 36 treatment rooms. Eight-championship golf courses surrounding 54 acres of lush landscaping. Impeccable service and all the warmth and hospitality of a JW Marriott resort. Beautiful mountain views, lush landscapes, cool and relaxing pool areas, and luxurious rooms. And, only 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.

(Picture credit: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority)