Northern Economist Does Vegas!

Well, I have had the ultimate travel and tourism experience by spending a few days in Las Vegas – a place I can now best characterize as a Disneyland experience for adults.  The state of Nevada and the desert metropolis are relatively isolated and yet Las Vegas has established itself as a large and dynamic urban centre focused around gambling and entertainment on a grand industrial scale.  Nevada and Las Vegas offers an interesting example of how remote and isolated places can innovate and create economic opportunity – in this case with tourism.  While the region has the advantage of a warm climate and populous nearby states, it came as a surprise to learn that the land in the region is largely owned by the U.S. federal government – about 85 percent.  As well, nearby California also appears to be resented because of past historical actions with respect to land and water resources.  It would appear that regional alienation is not limited to Northern Ontario.  As well, recessions affect Las Vegas also.  There are a number large and impressive work sites where activity has ground to a halt due to lack of funds.

Las Vegas offers a unique experience.  Where else in the course of a single day can you visit massive reproductions of New York, Egypt, Paris, Rome and Venice?  At The Venetian, the shopping mall follows the path of an inland waterway with gondolas and singing gondoliers.  City planners in Thunder Bay take note.  What Thunder Bay needs are canals and gondolas at the Intercity Mall with a direct canal link to the new waterfront park (it can get double use for skating in the winter).  Too expensive you say?  No problem.  Thunder Bay is just as capable of creative accounting and sudden flash funds as Vegas.  City Council and administration can simply “forget” to budget for millions of dollars in expenditures and then dip into either the reserve fund or find some new leveraging partners.

Vegas is not just about gambling.  There is entertainment ranging from the amazing Cirque du Soleil to comedians and singers of all kinds.  Malls and shops abound.  There are also tours of the region to places like Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.  Hoover Dam was an impressive feat of engineering and full of tourists the day I went.   

And then there is the food and drink!  You know you’ve left Ontario when you see shoppers at the mall with beer and wine glass in hand walking around and chatting.  As for the food, the all you can eat buffets are astounding though you do need to pace yourself.  The high fat content of many of the buffet offerings does not always agree with your digestion and can result in what you eat in Vegas staying in Vegas.

Ah Las Vegas.  I wonder if Caesar’s Palace needs an economist?