By 2000, Nevada's population was nearly 2 million people, with nearly 7,000 people moving monthly to Las Vegas. The resort industry was running strong up until the fateful day of September 11, 2001. In a few hours of tragedy, Nevada's resort industry felt the effects. Once considered recession proof, Nevada's resort industry showed its vulnerability and the state's budget suffered dramatically. Secondary to the tragedy beheld by New Yorkers, many resort employees were laid off as U.S. travel became a trickle of what it was just weeks before. Hotel rooms were empty, entire areas of casinos were quiet and Nevada faced one of its greatest challenges: how to inspire travel back to Nevada.

Through the intensive and extensive efforts of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Nevada Commission on Tourism and Reno/Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, Nevada steadily regained its position as the nation's favorite playground. Unfortunately, the damage was done. The state faced a budgetary crisis due to the reduced resort-related tax revenues. But by 2005, the tax revenues were back on track and so was the industry.

As Reno experienced a significant population boom, Reno refocused itself not exclusively as a gaming destination but also as an outdoor/adventure destination embracing the areas' plentiful natural surroundings. Californians who once only gravitated to Las Vegas were finding Nevada's tax benefits were statewide.

Las Vegas' popular “Only Vegas” campaign, which used the now famous “What happens here, stays here™” tagline, found a new market of young travelers seeking a complete resort experience. Ultra lounges, mega-nightclubs and world-class restaurants began opening at a fevered pace. Las Vegas had once again retained its place as the city the rich and famous came to play.

MGM MIRAGE acquired Mandalay Resort Group in 2005, making it the largest resort operator in Nevada. Soon after, Harrah's Entertainment acquired Caesars Entertainment, making Harrah's the largest gaming company in the world. Wynn Las Vegas, Green Valley Ranch, Resort and Spa, Red Rock Resort and Spa, THEhotel, and the Palms are only a few of the properties that have opened in Las Vegas since 2000.

The future...

By 2006, gaming revenues grew to more than $12.5 billion annually and numerous large-scale projects had been announced including the nation's largest ever private construction project, MGM MIRAGE's $7 billion Project CityCenter, and Boyd Gaming's $4 billion Echelon Place. Numerous other expansions and new projects have been announced or have begun construction, ushering in what will be one of the most prolific hospitality development booms in Nevada history. In Reno, Grand Sierra Corporation acquired the Reno Hilton and renamed it the Grand Sierra Resort, while Station Casinos has announced its intentions to build a resort on Mt. Rose Highway in south Reno.

As the state continues to grow, gaming will always be the primary reason tourists from around the globe come to Nevada. With significant expansions of exciting properties and the construction of new mega-properties, Nevada's gaming environment is bright. With competition from Macau and Native American gaming, Nevada will remain vigilant in maintaining its competitive advantage by creating a unique experience for every visitor.