Las Vegas is increasing its bid to lure Australian tourists as Qantas prepares to start a new non-stop service from Sydney to the Nevada city.
Qantas Adds New Direct Flights Between Sydney and Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has signed a marketing agreement with Sydney-based GTI Tourism PTY for up to $1.45 million. The campaign will promote Las Vegas in Australia and support the launch of the new Qantas seasonal service, reported The Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The LVCVA board approved the deal unanimously on September 8. It provides $475,000 to GTI Tourism for FY 2027. The contract could then be extended by another $475,000 in fiscal 2028 and $500,000 in fiscal 2029.
Sydney-Las Vegas services will be launched by Qantas on December 29, 2026. The service will run three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays until March 12, 2027.
The new route will connect Australian travelers directly with Las Vegas. Most travelers flying between the two destinations have had to connect through another airport until now.
The flights will be operated using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, accommodating up to 300 passengers. Direct flights are likely to cut travel time by several hours compared to connecting itineraries.
LVCVA Turns to Sports to Attract More Australian Tourists
Las Vegas has been a significant international market for Australia for a long time. LVCVA figures show around 275,000 Australians visited the destination in 2025. Their visits created an estimated $442 million in economic activity.
After Canada, Australia is Las Vegas’ second-largest source of international visitors. International tourism is playing an increasingly important role as the city continues to build on its post-pandemic recovery.
The LVCVA also intends to coordinate its Australian marketing with major sporting events. The National Rugby League games at Allegiant Stadium in February 2027 are expected to be a big attraction, and rugby is expected to be a major piece of the puzzle.
Several Australian teams will be involved in the event, including Melbourne Storm, Wests Tigers, Parramatta Eels and Gold Coast Titans. The Las Vegas’ Formula 1 Grand Prix will also offer another promotional opportunity for the Australian market.
The timing of the Qantas launch could be good for the airline and Las Vegas, LVCVA President and CEO Steve Hill said. The route will open up access to the city at a time that includes major sporting and business events.
GTI Tourism is also back on the job with the LVCVA after representing the destination in Australia from 2014-2020. In 2022, the LVCVA resumed its international marketing efforts in Australia after a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now the authority hopes the new air link will turn the existing strong interest from Australian travelers into a boost in visitors. More arrivals would benefit Las Vegas hotels, casinos, restaurants, entertainment venues and other tourism businesses.