TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - Oct 8, 2013) - Las Vegas will forever be considered a destination where a bachelor's last days of freedom are best spent before tying the knot -- but the sparkling jewel in the desert is actually a top choice of those who have already embraced coupledom, according to a recent survey by Expedia.ca™, Canada's leading online travel provider. One in four Canadian respondents (25 per cent) said a romantic getaway with their partner is the main reason they would venture to Vegas, narrowly edging out other options such as celebrating a bachelor or bachelorette, recognizing a milestone and partying with friends.
For Vegas-bound couples who may not want to take a chance at love at the city's 129 casinosi, the city offers the opportunity to partake in so many other bucket-list activities that only Sin City can offer. From swimming with the sharks at Mandalay Bay to an acrobatic flying experience with Sky Combat Ace and perhaps if things go well, even tying the knot at the Graceland Wedding Chapel. Unique attractions and experiences -- all of which can be purchased online as part of an Expedia.ca itinerary -- are key to enjoying Vegas which is particularly important since two-thirds of those surveyed said that having a variety of activities available when they're on vacation is somewhat or very important to them.
"Las Vegas is a destination that offers a variety of activities and attractions beyond casinos and The Strip. The fact that respondents consider Las Vegas a romantic vacation destination reflects the recognition that there are now so many things to do in Las Vegas for couples who want to spend some fun, quality time together," said Sean Shannon, Managing Director of Expedia Canada. "As Sin City experts, Expedia.ca offers unparalleled options on flights, hotels, package deals and activities so you can make it your trip, your way."
Vegas: The Canadian Invasion
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Association, almost two million Canadians visit Las Vegas each yearii, representing the largest share of tourists from outside the U.S. In 2012, Canadians represented the largest international market for Las Vegas, accounting for almost 40 per cent of all international visitorsiii.
Expedia.ca's travel booking trends tells a similar story: Sin City continues to be a top destination for those who book via Canada's leading online travel provider with outbound flights from Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton leading the way. Over the last five years alone Canadians have booked nearly 1.8 million room nights in the city that never sleeps via Expedia.ca, preferring hotels with an average 4-rating and staying an average of 3.7 daysiv.
Popular tourist attractions based on activities booked on Expedia.ca include: tours of the Grand Canyon, Cirque du Soleil performances including 'O', 'Zumanity' and 'KA', Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and Hoover Dam tours.
The Expedia.ca survey found that more than half (58 per cent) of respondents said they want to visit Las Vegas, with 23 per cent having been before and 35 per cent interested in going for the first time. Once there, Canadians have a plethora of 'made-in-Canada' talent to enjoy -- from multiple Cirque du Soleil shows to superstars Shania Twain and Celine Dion. Despite the success of both chanteuses, respondents said if they found themselves in Las Vegas, most would prefer to see a Cirque du Soleil show (43 per cent), while almost one in five would prefer to take in a Shania Twain (20 per cent) or Celine Dion (19 per cent) performance.
"Whether it's to see incredible home-grown entertainment or to enjoy the tremendous range of activities Las Vegas offers, Canadians have consistently made it a top destination for travel outside of the country," said Shannon. "For those who haven't ever considered Vegas as a potential vacation destination, I urge them to try their luck and take a chance on the city by discovering what it has to offer. I guarantee they'll leave feeling like a winner."
With hundreds of Vegas packages to choose from, Sin City experts Expedia.ca put the 'eh' in Vegas with even bigger savings during their annual Vegas Sale. Travellers who book by October 31, 2013 and travel by March 31, 2014 will save up to 50 per cent on select Las Vegas hotels and packages, all backed by the Expedia.ca Best Price Guarantee. Travellers looking to hedge their bets on an even more action packed Las Vegas vacation can also save up to 50 per cent on select activities, including shows, excursions and much more.
Expedia.ca is also hosting a "Sin City Sprint" Facebook contest where six teams of two will participate in an exciting sprint covering some of Las Vegas' famous landmarks for a chance to win a grand prize stay in Vegas with flights courtesy of Air Canada and an extended stay at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Prize will also include spending money guaranteed to increase the winners' odds for even more all-in Vegas fun. For more information on the 2013 Vegas Sale, please visit www.expedia.ca/vegas.
Survey Methodology
The results quoted in this press release are taken from "Expedica.ca Vegas" survey using Google Consumer Surveys between September 18 and 22, 2013. Each question sampled at least 1,000 unique, randomly sampled internet users across the Google Consumer Surveys publisher network. The average margin of error is +/- 4%.
About Expedia Canada
Expedia.ca is the nation's most-visited full-service online travel site. To help Canadians plan and purchase travel, Expedia.ca offers the best combination of scheduled and charter flights, car and hotel reservations, vacation packages, destination activities, cruises, and trip insurance. Expedia customers are supported by customer support agents available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via a toll-free number and email response.
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Expedia, Expedia.ca and the Airplane logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. © 2013 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST: 2029030-50
i http://www.worldcasinodirectory.com/nevada-casinos/las-vegas
ii Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Association - Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
iii http://www.travelhotnews.com/reportages.php?sequence_no=33969
iv Expedia.ca data from January 2009 to September 19, 2013
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