Las Vegas Invests $1.45M to Attract Australian Visitors

Photo by PickPik, CC0 1.0
Key Takeaways
- LVCVA approved a $1.45M contract with Sydney-based GTI Tourism to market Las Vegas to Australian travelers.
- Qantas launches nonstop Sydney-Las Vegas flights on December 29, flying three times weekly on 787 Dreamliners.
- Australia is Las Vegas's second-biggest overseas market, with 275,000 visitors generating $442 million in 2025.
Las Vegas is investing in Australian visitors ahead of a new nonstop flight route. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board unanimously approved a marketing contract worth up to $1.45 million on Tuesday, September 8. Sydney-based agency GTI Tourism PTY will receive the contract. It supports Qantas Airways' upcoming nonstop service between Sydney and Las Vegas. The contract's structure lets LVCVA scale spending as the campaign proves its value over three years.
GTI Tourism Returns for New Three-Year LVCVA Deal
The board's agreement with GTI Tourism spans three fiscal years. It allocates $475,000 for fiscal year 2027 as the initial commitment. Two optional extensions follow: another $475,000 for fiscal year 2028, then $500,000 for fiscal year 2029. If fully exercised, the total reaches $1.45 million.
GTI Tourism, headquartered in Sydney's Surry Hills district, previously represented the LVCVA in Australia between 2014 and 2020. That prior engagement covered public relations and trade marketing on a project basis.
The renewed partnership gives LVCVA a local marketing presence as the new flight prepares to launch.
Qantas Sydney-Las Vegas Nonstop Flights Begin December 29
Qantas will begin nonstop service between Sydney and Las Vegas on December 29. Flights will operate three times weekly, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The airline plans to use twin-engine Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which can carry up to 300 passengers. Australian travelers previously faced layovers through cities like Los Angeles or Honolulu; the new route removes that step. GTI Tourism's campaign is timed to coincide with the route's debut, aiming to build early booking momentum among Australian travelers.
Australia Is Las Vegas's No. 2 Market, Eyes Sports Fans
Australia ranks as Las Vegas's second-largest overseas visitor market, trailing only Canada. An estimated 275,000 Australian visitors came to Las Vegas in 2025. That visitation generated roughly $442 million in economic impact for the city. The marketing push is expected to capitalize on major sporting events with Australian appeal. Those include National Rugby League games at Allegiant Stadium and the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Pairing the new flight with high-profile events gives GTI Tourism concrete moments to promote to Australian travelers.
Lucas Michael Dunn is a prolific iGaming content writer with 8+ years of experience dissecting it all, from game and casino reviews to industry news, blogs, and guides. A psychology graduate and painter that transitioned into the iGaming world, his articles depend on proven data and tested insights to educate readers on the best gambling approaches. Beyond iGaming content craftsmanship, Lucas is an avid advocate for responsible play, focusing on empowering players to strike a balance between thrill and informed choices.
Stay updated with the latest in Casinos, Gambling & Gaming
Follow Casino.com for breaking news, features, expert guides, responsible gambling advice, legal updates & financial insights.
Related News

Metallica Returns to Sphere for Second Las Vegas Weekend
Metallica plays Sphere on Oct. 8 and 10 with all-new setlists under its No Repeat Weekend format. Both shows are sold out, with 24 dates through March 2027.

Nevada Casinos Win $1.27B in August, but Tax Fees Drop
Nevada's statewide gaming win rose 3.14% to $1.27 billion in August, yet September percentage fee collections fell 5.98% as Las Vegas visitation slipped.

Casino CEOs, Nevada Say Prediction Markets Are Sportsbooks
At G2E, MGM and Caesars CEOs joined Nevada regulators in saying prediction markets are sportsbooks that need state licenses, as the legal fight heats up.

G2E 2026: Casino CEOs Weigh Vegas Pricing, Deals and Asia
Caesars, MGM and Wynn CEOs took the G2E 2026 stage to address Las Vegas pricing, visitation trends, major takeover deals and MGM's $10 billion Osaka resort.

Casinos, Unions and Tribes Unite Against Prediction Markets at G2E
Casino operators, UNITE HERE and tribal leaders present a joint front against prediction markets at G2E 2026 as Congress weighs a federal crackdown.

John Mayer Sphere Residency Set as Wizard of Oz Tops $500M
John Mayer will play six nights at the Las Vegas Sphere in April 2027, just days after The Wizard of Oz at Sphere passed $500 million in ticket sales.

MGM, Caesars and Wynn CEOs Join Wayne Gretzky at G2E 2026
MGM, Caesars and Wynn CEOs share the G2E 2026 Main Stage with Wayne Gretzky Sept. 29, while a new tech zone spotlights AI, payments and cybersecurity.

Zoox Robotaxi Crash on Las Vegas Strip Hospitalizes Driver
A Nissan Murano driver suffered minor injuries after a crash with a Zoox robotaxi on Las Vegas Boulevard, closing four lanes near Four Seasons Drive.

Wynn Resorts Closes $900M Note Offering to Refinance Debt
Wynn Resorts has closed a $900 million offering of 6.875% senior notes due 2035, using the proceeds to retire Wynn Las Vegas notes maturing in 2027.

Trump Sold Caesars Stake as Fertitta's $17.6B Deal Closed
Trump's advisors sold a small Caesars stake on July 29, a filing shows, as Tilman Fertitta closed his $17.6 billion buyout of the casino giant.

Vegas 5-Day Sale Returns With 180+ Deals After Tough 2025
Las Vegas tourism is showing signs of stabilizing, and the LVCVA's Vegas 5-Day Sale offers 180+ deals on hotels, dining and shows through Sept. 26.

50 Cent Unveils Head Crack Dice Game Ahead of G2E Debut
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is entering casino gaming with Head Crack, a three-dice game set to debut at G2E 2026 at The Venetian Expo on Sept. 29.

Sphere Las Vegas Partners With Lyft for Rideshare Access
Sphere and Lyft have signed a multi-year deal naming Lyft the venue's official rideshare partner, adding a dedicated pickup zone and in-app wayfinding for guests.

Titus' Gambling Tax Deduction Fix Clears House Panel
The House Ways and Means Committee approved a bill to keep the gambling loss deduction at 100%, blocking a planned cut to 90% in 2027.

Nevada Coalition Pushes First Cigarette Tax Hike Since 2015
A Nevada health coalition wants to raise cigarette taxes to $3.55 a pack, the state's first hike in over a decade, to fund cessation programs.

Silver: NBA Weighs Sphere-Style Arena for Las Vegas Team
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed the league is considering a Sphere-inspired arena as it nears a decision on Las Vegas expansion.

MGM Buyout Deal in Doubt as Las Vegas Recovery Slows
JPMorgan's Daniel Politzer questions MGM's $18B Diller buyout as Las Vegas slows, warning shares could fall toward $35 if the deal collapses.

Station Casinos Surprises Staff With $70M Stock Award
Station Casinos celebrated its 50th anniversary by awarding nearly 10,000 team members $70 million in Red Rock Resorts stock.

Universal Entertainment Forms Nevada Gaming Unit
Universal Entertainment has created Nevada-based UDN Gaming to pursue US gaming licenses, marking its return to overseas gaming equipment sales.

Oprah Winfrey Brings New Immersive Show 'AHA' to Sphere
Oprah Winfrey stars in AHA, a one-weekend-only immersive show at Las Vegas Sphere featuring music, poetry, and art this April 2027.

Tennessee Woman Sues MGM Grand Over Alleged Spa Assault
A Tennessee woman claims a massage therapist sexually assaulted her at MGM Grand Spa, prompting a lawsuit against MGM Resorts.

Roy Student, Casino Tech Pioneer and GSI Founder, Dies at 83
Roy Student, a casino technology pioneer who shaped player-rating and server-based slot systems, died September 5 at 83.

Supreme Court Forces Red Rock to Bargain With Union
The Supreme Court rejected Red Rock Casino's emergency stay bid, forcing it to bargain with the Culinary Union immediately.

Florida Man Sues Wynn Las Vegas Over Legionnaires' Case
A Florida man claims he contracted Legionnaires' disease during a January stay at Wynn Las Vegas and is now suing for damages.

T-Mobile Arena's Toshiba Plaza Renamed Paramount+ Plaza
T-Mobile Arena's outdoor plaza has a new name: Paramount+ Plaza. The rebrand debuts during Garcia vs Benn fight week in Las Vegas.

Kirk Cousins Named Raiders Starting QB, Not Mendoza
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak picked veteran Kirk Cousins over rookie Fernando Mendoza to start Week 1 despite a shaky preseason.

Global Gaming Expo 2026 Hits Las Vegas Strip Sept. 28-Oct. 1
G2E 2026 hits The Venetian Expo Sept. 28-Oct. 1 with 25,000+ pros, 400+ exhibitors, and Global Gaming Women's milestone 10th anniversary lineup.

Resorts World Las Vegas Caught in Genting's $3.4B Debt Wall
Resorts World Las Vegas holds a $665M loan tied to Genting's $3.4 billion debt wall, raising questions about future financial support.

Circa's At Par Promotion Draws 120,000 Canadians This Summer
Derek Stevens says his At Par promotion brought over 120,000 Canadian visitors to downtown Las Vegas this summer alone.

Caesars Buys Out Grand Bazaar Shops for $66 Million
Caesars now fully owns Grand Bazaar Shops after a $66M buyout, setting the stage for a possible redesign of Horseshoe's Strip entrance.

Sphere's Wizard of Oz Gets New 4D Effects for September
Sphere is adding animatronic Winged Monkeys, fireworks, and scented apples to The Wizard of Oz starting Sept. 25 in Las Vegas.

Vegas Matt Threatens Legal Action Over Fake Gambler Claim
Vegas Matt's attorney sent gambling recovery advocate Rob ODAAT a demand letter over a video calling him a fake gambler.

Keffe D Davis Convicted of Murdering Tupac Shakur in 1996
A Las Vegas jury convicted Duane "Keffe D" Davis of first-degree murder in Tupac Shakur's 1996 killing after a two-week trial.

