Personal Travel Managers Flying High with the High Rollers in Las Vegas
From shopping on the Miracle Mile to an evening helicopter flight over The Strip, Las Vegas offers plenty of rockstar moments for anyone who comes to play in this exciting, 24-hour city. TravelManagers recently sent eight personal travel managers (PTMs) to experience its highlights over the course of a four-night, five-day whirlwind famil hosted by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, in conjunction with Delta Airlines.
To qualify for the famil, which was exclusively available to TravelManagers, PTMs participated in a Las Vegas-focused incentive with the opportunity to experience the city for themselves as the reward.
According to TravelManagers’ Executive General Manager, Michael Gazal, the purpose of the famil was to present PTMs with a variety of properties and experiences that lend themselves to high value customers.
“Contrary to the infamous expression, ‘what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,’, our PTMs have come home from the famil with invaluable product and destination knowledge which they are happy to share with colleagues and clients, to ensure that they in turn are equipped to make the best use of their time and money.”
The group followed a whirlwind itinerary that included inspections of some of the city’s most iconic properties, including Treasure Island, the Hard Rock Hotel, the Golden Nugget and Trump International Hotel. Although site inspections were an important aspect of their visit, they also had time to participate in some of the most famous experiences Las Vegas has to offer, such as attending an Elvis-themed wedding at the Graceland Wedding Chapel, riding the world’s highest observation wheel at Caesar’s and delving into the world of organised crime and law enforcement at the Mob Museum.
“It’s not something I’d known about previously,” says PTM Lyndy Burston, “but the Mob Museum near downtown is really worth a visit and definitely something I’d recommend.”
Burston, who is TravelManagers’ representative for Werribee in Victoria, also cites the various dining experiences the group enjoyed during the time in Las Vegas as one of her major highlights.
“I would highly recommend the fabulous Wicked Spoon buffet at the Cosmopolitan, and we also had a beautiful meal at Smith & Wollensky Steak House in the Venetian Hotel.”
The famil didn’t confine itself to the city limits but embraced the opportunities to go quite literally above and beyond: from a ‘City Lights’ helicopter tour with champagne to a half-day Pink Jeep tour to the Hoover Dam.
“I hadn’t been to Vegas in more than fifteen years,” explains PTM Karen Christie, representative for Woody Point, QLD. “I enjoyed every moment – you just have to go in with your eyes and mind open, walk the streets, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the amazing sights.”
The eight participating PTMs were accompanied by TravelManagers’ National Partnership Office representative: Marketing Manager, Tania Myles. Chris Tudehope from Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Christine Poole from Delta Airlines were also along for the ride.
“It’s great to see a destination in person and understand how we can better market it when the time arises,” says Myles. “However, even more valuable for me is the time to build closer relationships with some of the PTMs in our Australia-wide network.”
Tracy Cosgriff is TravelManagers’ representative for Palm Beach QLD. She says she returned home from Las Vegas with a wealth of insider information for her clients, including great restaurant recommendations, worthwhile tourist attractions and tips on avoiding the worst of the queues.
“I loved the helicopter ride over the Strip, all three roller coaster rides on the top of the Stratosphere Casino, and most of all, enjoying time with a great bunch of PTMs,” she explains. “I would love to spend more time in Las Vegas, exploring the city and maybe even getting to see the Grand Canyon next time!”
