There are no two ways about it; 2020 and 2021 pretty much sucked for commercial businesses worldwide, with the hospitality and gaming industries being affected in particular. COVID forced lengthy shutdowns globally, and the Las Vegas Strip, with its multitude of casinos, was hit hard.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and the good news is that no matter how hard the casinos were hit, they are fighting back with incredible numbers.

Nearly two years after the pandemic transformed Las Vegas from the spectacular city that we all know and love to a depressingly deserted ghost town, it’s well on the road to recovery, bouncing back with a determined push.

Las Vegas has reported that tourists are again streaming in, and gambling revenue is on the up. With the Las Vegas Strip boasting its first new casino in over a decade and huge concerts starting up again at a new gleaming stadium, it looks like Vegas again has the winning hand against the pandemic.

Big Revenue Gains

In October, according to numbers revealed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the State, which includes Las Vegas, collected $1.2 billion in gaming revenues. That was the eighth month in a row that revenues had topped a billion.

What is more startling is that the $1.2 billion figure is up a sensational 19.5% from the same month before the pandemic hit. And, if you were still skeptical – this was the first eight-month billion dollar streak since way back in 2007.

“We’ll probably set an all-time calendar year record,” explained Michael Lawton, an analyst with the Control Board. With that sort of figure coming around, no one can be in any doubt that Vegas is well and truly back on its feet. The removal of the Flexiglass panels used to separate players at the blackjack and poker tables certainly helps create the impression that things are returning to normal.

Of those huge October revenue figures, table games revenues in October hit $333.9 million, which was $100 million higher than the October 2019 equivalent. One reason for this may well have been the World Series of Poker running throughout the month when it is held in the early summer in previous years. The poker festival attracts thousands of visitors to the city, all of whom are well known to enjoy the occasional casino bet.

Casinos in Las Vegas are reporting that visitor numbers are on the up generally, with domestic US visitors being the main source of their footfall. International visitors are also now returning, although further variants of COVID and possible restrictions on traveling mean many international visitors are still wary about visiting Las Vegas, and rightly so.

An Online Alternative

Those that would normally have jumped on a plane and traveled to Las Vegas to try their luck are playing it safe and taking to playing online, which remains a viable and safer alternative.

With a multitude of online gambling sites available around the world, players in the UK, for example, are turning to fully-licensed online sites such as STS Casino, where they can play their favorite games without having to get on a plane and fly out to Vegas.

They can still experience the thrills and excitement of playing at a casino but from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Online casinos offer players a true Las Vegas-style experience, complete with table games like blackjack and roulette, live dealer games, and hundreds of slot machines.

Not Over Yet

The concerns over the coronavirus pandemic have still not settled down fully. New strains continue to surface, and measures restricting commercial premises like casinos may be re-introduced at any time.   

Financial and industry experts are estimating that a full “return to normal” for bricks-and-mortar casinos could take years. But for now, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” is absolutely still a thing, with those record revenues announced by the Nevada Gaming Control Board proving visitors are flocking in.

As with everything, time will tell, but early indications show the overall economy is rebounding gradually after the colossal losses made during the pandemic. As people are become a little less fearful and slightly more comfortable with traveling (when allowed), Las Vegas most probably will, once again, maintain its title as the most gregarious and vibrant entertainment capital of the world.

With the USA and much of the world expected to finally beat the coronavirus pandemic, Las Vegas is set to be raucous and rocking in 2022. “Sin City” has plenty of entertainment from casinos to a host of shows including musicals, magicians, and everything in between set to entertain us in the upcoming year. And with the new Tesla Tunnel now in operation, it will be easier than ever to reach your destination quickly and in comfort. Here’s what is new in Vegas for 2022.

Whitney Houston Hologram Concert

An Evening with Whitney: The Whitney Houston Hologram Concert promises to be like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Whitney, one of the most talented singers of all time left us far too early. But with this incredible display of music and the latest in hologram technology, she comes to life before our very eyes to perform her greatest hits along with a full live band amid dancers in elaborate costumes.

Held at Harrah’s Showroom inside Harrah’s, one of many very large hotels in Vegas, she performs hits from the past such as I Will Always Love You, Run to You, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, and more. The show runs from January-May on Tuesdays-Sundays at 8 p.m.

27: A Musical Adventure

This fabulous new Las Vegas concert pays homage to some of the greatest late musicians of all time. The tribute artists who perform the songs sound chillingly like the artists who left us at the tender age of 27. Songs from the artists of 27: A Musical Adventure include Foxy Fady by Jimi Hendrix, Love Me Two Times by Jim Morrison, and No Greater Love by Amy Winehouse. You’ll swoon at the rendition of hits by legendary blues artist Robert Johnson’s Sweet Home Chicago and Janis Joplin’s Take a Little Bit of My Heart.

The night of musical magic takes place at the 24 Oxford Showroom within Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The nightly performances are scheduled for Wednesdays-Sundays at 8:30 p.m.

Banachek’s Mind Game

Experience mystic magical acts that completely defy logic at the Banachek’s Mind Game magic show. Banachek, often controversial for rebutting scientific theories of physics, has perfected his skills to blow your mind in Vegas, 2022. See all of his new tricks and incredible illusions at the Stratosphere Theater within the Strat Hotel and Casino.

Banachek performs his magic on Wednesdays-Sundays from January-June. Tickets for the entire six months are already in high demand.

Rock Candy: Male Revue

Some of the best bodies in Sin City will perform seductive dance moves that leave little to the imagination. The Rock Candy Male Revue features hunks from Australia bringing an all-new show that’s a fantasy treat for those of any sexual persuasion. Your hostess Rosa will play out your fantasies from bondage to Voyeuristic fantastic and getting arrested by uniformed police.

A show like you’ll only see in Vegas, look for the Rock Candy Male Revue to be scheduled at the Pegasus Showroom within the Alexis Park All Suite Resort. Age restriction:21+

The Big Little Variety Show

For a more ‘um  “family-friendly” shall we say show, check out The Big Little Variety Show at the Pegasus Showroom inside the Alexis Park All Suite Resort. The 65-minute-long show is a hilarious romp hosted by Las Vegas comedian and impressionist Penny Wiggins. The family variety show features sword swallowing, fantastic acrobatics, daring escapes, and lots of belly-busting funny stuff that will delight both kids and adults.

Showtimes for The Big Little Variety Show are Fridays-Sundays at 4:30 throughout 2022. There are no age restrictions, but it isn’t recommended for children under age 5.

The JETS: 80’S & 90’S Experience

One of the world’s best family bands returns to the stage in 2022 with riveting performances that will have you dancing in your seat. The band, originally from Tonga brings the Minneapolis Sound that made them famous in the ’80s and ’90s to dazzle Las Vegas audiences at Club Z within the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. They’ll perform songs like Make It Real, Crush On You, and more with beautiful voices and stellar dance movies.

Showtimes are Tuesday-Saturday at 7 p.m throughout the year. There are no age restrictions.

It’s no wonder that Washington, D.C. attracts millions of visitors each year. Washington provides an interesting and insightful experience for tourists of all ages with its majestic monuments, impressive museums, and fine restaurants. If you want to go to Washington, you need to start planning.

Follow these steps to help you make the most out of your trip to DC:

1. Determine The Best Time To Visit

Washington DC, like any other tourist attraction, has more visitors at certain seasons of the year. While many people want to view the cherry blossoms in the spring, this time of year is noted for larger crowds and higher travel expenses.

Those looking for a low-cost trip to Washington, DC will do better in the fall. Visitors may have already returned to school or work in late September or early October, and there are fewer activities in the city. In addition, because all of the local universities and colleges are back in operation, hotel costs are often lower.

2. Determine How You Want To Get There

There are three ways to get to DC—air, rail, and land. Washington Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan National Airport, and Baltimore International Airport are the three main airports serving DC. They all have a variety of domestic and international flights.

If you prefer to go by train, Amtrak offers daily service from neighboring states. The Amtrak station in DC is at the heart of the most popular lines. It provides quick access to the busy states of the Northeast as well as the Southern states.

Another way to get to DC is to commute by bus. Like trains, there are many bus routes that’ll take you interstate to DC. For example, if you’re from the Northeast, you can take the New York City to Washington DC bus.

If you’re not comfortable with all the ways mentioned above, you can go ahead and bring your car (or rent one) to DC. It may take more time, but you can always enjoy the scenic views on the way.

Depending on the season, airfares, train fares, or bus fares may be costly. However, if you come during the off-season, you’ll benefit from lower transportation rates on flights and trains into Washington DC.

Being flexible with your travel schedule is also another simple method to save money on transportation. Flights and rail travel, for example, would most likely be far more expensive on weekends than during the week. Look for flights that leave and arrive during low periods of the day as well.

3. Thoroughly Plan Your Itinerary

Regardless of whether your visit lasts a few days or several weeks, you should plan an itinerary to ensure you see everything on your must-do list. Make a list of places you want to see such as the White House or the American History Museum. Schedule each attraction to a single day of your vacation, and check each attraction’s website to confirm whether it’ll be operating on that day.

To reduce commute time, sort attractions based on their proximity. For example, you may visit both the Capitol Building and the National Gallery of Art on the same day because they’re within walking distance.

4. Commute

If you don’t have a car, getting around DC will be easy as pie. The clean, comfortable, and fast Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) public transit system is the ideal means to get around DC. The majority of visitors and locals use a combination of Metro trains, buses, and walking to travel around.

The Metro runs until midnight every day and stops at the majority of the major tourist destinations. The fare depends on the time of day and the distance traveled. The buses, which are part of the WMATA public transit system, travel extensively across the District, as well as the states of Maryland and Virginia. Between six in the morning and ten in the evening, the DC Circulator buses operate every 10 minutes.

5. Reserve Ahead Of Time

Make reservations for attractions you wish to visit ahead of time. Because tourists visit Washington all year, certain attractions will reach capacity fast. If you wish to secure a tour at the White House or Capitol, reserve your tickets at least one month ahead. If you want to dine at famous restaurants, make sure to reserve beforehand as well. It’s always a good idea to have your reservations in place before your trip, whether for work or pleasure, because it saves you from a lot of trouble and hassle.

6. Stay In Budget-Friendly Hotels

Everyone who constantly travels to different cities and countries knows how pricey hotels can be. Fortunately, DC has wonderful hotels and rooms at reasonable prices. Since you’ll be touring around the city the whole day, staying in low-cost hotels is reasonable. When reserving a room at your hotel, remember to inquire about any discounts, packages, or offers that the hotel may be offering. In this way, you can enjoy your stay and save more.

Figures from earlier this year showed that more people moved to Nevada than any other state in the nation. Although tourist numbers have been lower in recent months, according to the Visitors and Convention Authority, Las Vegas also attracted almost 50 million visitors in 2019.  Whether they are on vacation to enjoy the attractions or on the lookout for a permanent home in a state with a low cost of living, many of these incomers will need temporary rental accommodation in the city. Landlords have been able to raise their rents to take advantage of this huge increase in demand, but they still have a responsibility to provide functional and comfortable homes for their tenants. At the same time, although renters may not be able to undertake a complete renovation, they can still make changes to enhance their home and ensure it is practical and comfortable. 

Providing Well-Maintained Accommodation

Whether they are providing short lets for tourists or longer-term accommodation for residents, landlords in Nevada have a duty to repair and maintain fixed facilities such as HVAC systems in their properties. While it is usually a landlord’s responsibility to also maintain any other appliances and furnishings supplied by them, they may agree that their tenant can carry out their own specified maintenance and minor remodeling. Tenants will of course need to look after their own personal goods such as microwaves or fridge freezers.  Finding an affordable and reliable repair service in the local area will help ensure all appliances are running smoothly. 

Attracting Reliable Tenants with Reasonable Rents

As rents in Las Vegas continue to rise due to increased demand, some landlords are turning against the market trends and continuing to charge reasonable rents for more reliable clients.  Property owners are reminded about the benefits of finding good long-term tenants who can ensure a steady income. Charging higher rents may seem an attractive option in the short-term, however, if they are too high they can also lead to people moving out quicker. While some landlords may have faced difficulties during the pandemic, with no additional property fees for 2021 the costs of renting haven’t gone up for landlords and so these don’t need to be passed on to renters.

As well as seeing a return to high numbers of tourists, Las Vegas is attracting new residents. Despite rising rents, a low cost of living still makes the region affordable, and, with the help of responsible landlords, tenants should be able to live in comfortable and well-maintained accommodation.

Hockey would never work in Las Vegas, the skeptics said. Too hot. The desert. The strip. The night life. Who would have time for hockey? Why would anyone want to go to a game?

Marc-Andre Fleury was why. He was the Vegas Golden Knights. He put the team on the map. He made them relevant. He damn near won them the Stanley Cup as a first-year team.

If you go to the Westgate Sportsbook in Vegas, you’ll still see the Golden Knights listed on the odds board among the leading Stanley Cup contenders. But this will be the first time in franchise history that Vegas will seek the silver of Lord Stanley’s mug without their golden goalie between the pipes. 

Is there life in Vegas beyond The Flower? That’s Fleury’s nickname but this flower who bloomed on top of a steady diet of frozen water is no more. In the summer, the Golden Knights traded Fleury to the Chicago Blackhawks, even though he was coming off the best season of his NHL career.

He posted career-bests in goals against average (1.98) and save percentage (.928) and won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender for the first time. Vegas, though, had a younger, cheaper version of Fleury in Robin Lehner – who, oddly enough, they acquired from Chicago.

Facing a salary cap crunch, the Golden Knights opted to move on from Fleury’s $7 million a year paycheck.

Life Without Flower

The Golden Knights reported to training camp and for the first time, Fleury’s smiling faces and his playful pranks were there waiting to brighten everyone’s day.

“(Fleury’s) been the heart and soul for quite a bit for our team and our organization,” left wing Jonathan Marchessault told the Las Vegas Journal-Review. “It’s going to be different, but it just shows you how unstable the world of hockey is. No one is safe out there. You have to stay on your toes and give your best every night.”

Even those who were only Fleury’s teammate for a brief time were energized by the electricity of the warmth he exuded.

“I feel very fortunate (that I was) able to play with him for the little bit that I did,” defenseman Nic Hague said. “He’s a guy that I grew up watching, watching him win his Cups. Just a great guy. He always had a smile on his face. He loves what he does. It’s definitely going to be a little bit different not having him around.”