I spent a week in Las Vegas one night — that night was last Thursday, and wow, a good time was had by all. Viva Vegas Forever!

The Las Vegas Conventions & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) rounded out their week-long tour in Toronto, after visiting Vancouver and Calgary, and I was honoured to partake in theViva Vegas Forever celebrations.

As the official destination marketing organization of Las Vegas, the LVCVA strives to continuously expand the city’s influence as a leader in tourism and hospitality. With more than 150,000 hotel rooms in the city, and more than ten million square feet of meeting and exhibit space, the LVCVA is on a mission to attract ever-increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors.

The evening began with an elegant wine tasting affair at the Crush Wine Bar, where travel industry VIPs mingled over a selection of fine wines. For a little extra spark, the networking/wine tasting was presented speed-dating style!

Later, tour operators, local media and celebs joined together at the Uniun to walk the red carpet into the spectacular Viva Vegas Forever party, featuring a faux wedding chapel, Vegas show girls, and a Cirque du Soleil performance by Zoomanity. Also on the special guest list was DJ Lil Jon and host of Global’s The Morning Show, Liza Fromer.

Nearly two million Canadian travellers every year visit Las Vegas, making Canada a top market for the LVCVA. The Authority hit the road in an effort to connect with existing partners and introduce new and exciting features of Sin City.

“We realize that the travel trade knows Vegas,” said Kelly Sawyer, sales executive, LVCVA. ”We’re trying to educate the operators to diversify their itineraries.”

David Lusvardi, sales manager for Nevada Commission of Tourism, encourages Vegas visitors to expand their adventures, perhaps by embarking on a road trip to Death Valley or a side trip to Reno.

To learn more about all Las Vegas has to offer, speak with a knowledgeable, friendly tripcentral.ca travel agent, who can help you uncover new and exciting things to do and see in Vegas — in addition to the not-to-be-missed nightlife, casinos and exotic entertainment, of course!