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bizarre. Throughout Las Vegas and Clark County, May’s historic gaming revenues totaled $1.25 billion, with almost 90% hotel occupancy. There is plenty of available work. How does that square with Las Vegas’s 8.9% unemployment, the second highest metropolitan rate nationwide? The explanation could be geography and demographics. Foreign travel and convention attendance are down significantly. Fewer Americans are traveling internationally and prefer domestic travel. As airline, convention and hotel traffic expands, out-of-


state money will increase revenues. That is why workers must voluntarily return to work. To keep customers returning for their own recreation, the post-pandemic experience must be even better. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA)


recently hired Applied Analytics to research the issue. Principal Jeremy Aguero concluded “implications of COVID-19 were unprecedented” for every economic sector in a “pretty dramatic and meaningful way,” but Las Vegas no longer enjoys a buffer against poor service. Aguero verified that customer behavior has permanently changed the industry, not Covid-19. He questions how mixing technology and human interaction will affect future consumers and operators. Early studies confirm that automation threatens many hospitality jobs. “The visitors are coming back…to include business and


eventually international travelers… but travel…and the way we service visitors is going to be different for a while,” Aguero stated. In 2021, financial dependence on one industry is dangerous. Aguero urges diversification. He said, “…The


sustainability of our core tourism economy is something we can’t forget as part of our broader economic development plan in Nevada and Southern Nevada.” Other states, including Mississippi, are also


experiencing simultaneous positive economic, but poor labor conditions. Gulf Coast casinos are setting income records against prior revenues. In New Jersey, Atlantic City’s two newcomers have


stomped the competition. Open since June 28, 2018, the Hard Rock and Ocean have beaten the odds, ranking second and third behind Borgata. Hard Rock offers amazing post-pandemic entertainment and Ocean’s overhaul expanded amenities that maximized their existing luxury resort assets. However, nothing ultimately matters without solid


leadership and workers. Prior to this November’s election, Governor Phil Murphy extended New Jersey’s operational/financial powers over Atlantic City through 2025.


While campaigning in 2017, Murphy criticized his


predecessor Chris Christie’s 2016 state takeover. Murphy soon reversed course once elected. Despite sounding dictatorial, corrupt politicians – coupled with runaway expenses, high taxes, poor governance and successful casino tax appeals – have long plagued Atlantic City. Today, Wall Street is smiling on Atlantic City once more. Casino operators, suppliers and business owners need adequate, proficient employees for success. Let’s hope everyone in the workforce understands this and goes job hunting again.


JULY 2021 9


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