Luck runs out on Vegas boom

The L.A. Times reports:

The Strip's business model for the 21st century, which was to tap into an ever-expanding supply of free-spending visitors clamoring for first-class hotel rooms, four-star restaurant fare and high-priced shows, has been shattered by its worst recession in decades.

Vegas' ability to weather previous declines made it seem recession-proof. No longer. The carnage left by the economic downturn that began last year is unlike anything this town has seen.

Tourism is down for the second year in a row, and the people who come aren't spending with the abandon of the past. Last year Jeff Curran gave his son and daughter virtually free rein on the casino floor; this year their daily limit was $25 each.

In 2007, the peak year, 39.2 million people visited. Last year 37.5 million visitors came to town. Tourism officials say convention business is down about 27% from a year ago. If current trends continue, Vegas may barely break 35 million visits this year, the lowest level since 1999.

You'll want to read the whole article.