Brazilian Airline LATAM Doubles Down on Flights to Las Vegas, South American Travelers in Top 10 Demographic

Posted on: April 6, 2018, 01:00h. 

Last updated on: April 6, 2018, 01:26h.

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Expertise: Commercial Gaming.

Where do Brazilians — who are known to love a good party and some huge feathered headdresses on their own home turf — gravitate to when they fly north to the US? Las Vegas, of course.

Coming from a country known for its over-the-top Mardi Gras Carnival parades and festivals, Brazilian tourists rank high in the Las Vegas tourism landscape, and now, getting to Sin City will be even easier for citizens of the South American country.

Starting in early June, South America’s largest airline group LATAM will begin ramping up regular service to Las Vegas. LATAM airlines will offer nonstop service from Brazil to Las Vegas three times a week from June 2nd to September 30th, 2018.

That summer run of regular flights had already been announced, but now the company has extended its commitment to the winter months as well: the route will return beginning December 15th, 2018 and extend to February 28th, 2019. That means everyone will back home in time for the Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, which kick off next year on March 1.

McCarran International Market Expansion

It only makes sense that LATAM would offer regular service over the winter months, as the high season for travel between Brazil and the US is December through January.

The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport and McCarran International. Business-class tickets, complete with fully reclining “lie-flat” seats, will be offered in addition to economy fares.

While LATAM orchestrates 1,300 daily flights to 140 international airports, this will be its first foray into the Western United States.

It’s no coincidence that the expansion comes in the wake of major upgrades at the Las Vegas airport aimed directly at the international market. A recently completed $51 million dollar project doubled the number of international gates, and officials are promising more amenities are on the way for international travellers, including a first-class lounge.

“Brazil has long been among our most sought-after markets, so we are very excited for our new partnership with LATAM Airlines Brazil,” said Rosemary Vassiliadis, director of Clark County’s Aviation Department.

Lucky Number Seven

With more than 150,000 annual visitors, Brazil sends more people to Las Vegas every year than all but six other countries, and that number is expected to expand.

A new travel accord reached between the countries should also aid growth: an Open Skies agreement signed earlier this week promises lower airfares and increased overall travel between Brazil and the US.