Vegas Doubling Down on Australian Tourism Push with New $1.5M Deal

^{The new nonstop Qantas flights from Sydney to Vegas are getting a major marketing push from the LVCVA next year. A $1.45 million push, to be exact. (Photo: courtesy of LVCVA)}

LAS VEGAS – The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve a $1.45 million marketing deal to entice more Australian visitors to the city. The deal, made with Sydney-based tourism marketing agency GTI Tourism, will take effect in early 2027.

In just a few months, Qantas Airlines will also launch a new direct flight from Sydney to Las Vegas in December. The marketing deal is designed to support that new flight, as it goes into effect in 2027.

“Through the proposed agreement, GTI will provide Services, which will include support for Qantas Airlines’ nonstop Sydney-to-Las Vegas service, scheduled to begin December 29, 2026,” wrote Fletch Brunelle, VP of Marketing for the LVCVA.

Australia is one of Vegas' largest international tourism markets. According to the LVCVA, it ranks as the city's second-largest overseas visitor market, trailing only Canada.

The marketing agreement will give Vegas another opportunity to capitalize on demand from the Aussies, as the city becomes easier to reach with a single flight.

Betting $1.5 Million on the Aussies

The LVCVA's deal with GTI Tourism is only guaranteed for one year at this time, but the approved $1.45 million is spread over the next three fiscal years. It breaks down to $475,000 in fiscal year 2027, with the option for an additional $475,000 in 2028 and $500,000 in 2029, based on the campaign's success.

GTI Tourism previously worked with the LVCVA from 2014 to 2020 on public relations and trade marketing. Since the agency is based in Sydney, it brings a locally informed marketing presence right in the market it's trying to reach.

The campaign is specifically timed to take effect in 2027, after direct flights between the two cities are already in operation.

This campaign may also connect with Vegas's bigger sports tourism strategy. During a LVCVA meeting on Sept. 8, it was discussed that the Australia campaign will help promote events with strong crossover appeal for Australian visitors, including the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and the opening National Rugby League games at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas is still working to strengthen international visitation amid an ongoing tourism slump. Last year, the city welcomed 38.5 million visitors overall, with international travelers accounting for 4.7 million of them.

“Australia has historically ranked as Las Vegas’ second-largest overseas market for international visitation, generating 275,000 visitors in 2025—an increase of 4% over 2024,” Brunelle of the LVCVA noted separately.

There are only 13 casinos in the entire continent of Australia, a stark contrast to what Australian visitors will find concentrated on just the Las Vegas Strip alone. Vegas is certainly much more than a gambling destination, so Australian visitors have no shortage of things to do regardless of age or interest. Visitors can go past the casino floor to enjoy restaurants, bars, shows, sporting events, and other attractions.

Direct Flights From Australia, Landing Soon

The launch of the nonstop flight from Sydney to Vegas is just months away from its start on Dec. 29, 2026. The special route will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, until March 12, 2027.

It'll be a direct flight of about 14 hours, operated by a twin-engine Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Though it's a lengthy trip, this route offers travelers a simpler option to get to Vegas without the difficulty of a layover or stop.

If you're not very familiar with Qantas, it has quite a high status in Australia. Qantas planes are recognizable by many international travelers with their red-and-white kangaroo livery. 

It's the country's busiest airline and its official flag carrier, a designation that comes with certain government-backed preferential privileges for international operations. The U.S. has no equivalent flag carrier of its own, since its aviation market is private and deregulated.

The marketing push could encourage Australian visitors to book a trip to Las Vegas for their next vacation, but it will take time to see how much of a difference it makes. Las Vegas is investing in international air connectivity as it works to recover from a decline in tourism. There was a recent push around  new nonstop flights from Paris earlier this year, but the investment in the Qantas flight is even more significant.

Vegas casinos know how to welcome in visitors from around the world, so maybe next year some of our favorite casino restaurants will serve up some Australian favorites like fairy bread or vegemite on toast...