Betting on Vegas: Canadian Interest Spikes in 2015

Hotels.com searches show an increase in Las Vegas travel as a March Break destination

TORONTO, Feb. 26, 2015 /CNW/ - With the Canadian Dollar in its weakened state, you would think Canadians might be putting their U.S. travel plans on hold. Quite the contrary, the number of Canadians interested in booking their March Break vacation in Las Vegas has grown significantly since last year. Hotels.com™ examines the increased Canadian interest in 'Sin City' and what's attracting them.

"Historically hotel properties in Las Vegas have been more affordable than many of the popular U.S. cities like New York," says Taylor L. Cole, APR travel expert at Hotels.com. "With the Canadian dollar at the lowest it's been in many years, travellers are looking for destinations that offer great value and Las Vegas is a city where the hotels themselves are a big attraction."

Which cities placed the biggest "bet" on Vegas?

Canadians on the west coast were most keen on taking a vacation to Las Vegas, with both Winnipeg and Edmonton showing a 46% increase in searches during the March Break holiday compared to 2014. Calgary and Vancouver followed with searches up 22% and 25%, respectively.

So, why can't Canadians resist Las Vegas?

The city of Las Vegas has warmly embraced some of our most well-known citizens. The Canadian trifecta of Celine Dion, Shania Twain and Cirque du Soleil helped maintain Vegas' reputation as a leader in entertainment and Canadians are loyal supporters of homegrown talent – even if it means jumping on a plane and gambling all night before cheering for fellow Canucks.

Las Vegas is still the ultimate party destination and a popular choice for bachelor/bachelorette parties with a seemingly endless supply of nightclubs and daytime pool parties. Yet the city has been gaining popularity in the past few years as a well-rounded destination with something for all travellers – from foodies to adventure-seekers, alike.

Families travel to Las Vegas for its endless entertainment for all ages. Aquariums, indoor theme parks and candy shops are just the beginning of the fun. Parents looking for a romantic getaway can catch a show, indulge in fine dining or even sneak away for the day to tour the impressive sites of the Grand Canyon.

So whether you want to take your kids during the break or plan a getaway with friends, remember the cards are stacked in Las Vegas' favour. But don't forget to sign up for Welcome Rewards™ to earn credit for each night you spend in this action-packed city – even if you don't use your bed, it still counts!

About Hotels.com
Hotels.com, L.P. operates Hotels.com (also known in Canada as Hotels.ca), a leading online accommodation booking website with approximately 435,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favourites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals.

© 2015 Hotels.com, LP. Hotels.com, The Obvious Choice, Welcome Rewards and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Hotels.com

Image with caption: "Canadians can't seem to resist the bright lights of Las Vegas with the city continuing to increase in popularity. (CNW Group/Hotels.com)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150226_C7642_PHOTO_EN_12583.jpg

For further information: Press Contacts: Lauren Wasley, energiPR for Hotels.com, Phone: [phone] x 19, Email: [e-mail], @energiPR; Taylor L. Cole, APR, Hotels.com North America, Phone: [phone], Email: [e-mail], @TravelwithTLC