As regional offerings continue to evolve, especially in tribal gaming, guests are finding equally compelling experiences closer to home and feel that they are getting far more value for the same product. What we find then is when we hit a recession or even during this pandemic, properties are literally begging for guests to come back and have waived these fees to entice people. Traditional hotels started this practice and have found it to be acceptable for all the same reasons as I mentioned above, we just have to decide on which path to follow as we offer a completely different type of experience. We just can’t lose sight from our true calling as hospitality executives. I can understand that Vegas often caters to a once-or-twice-a-year guest, and many times these are people arriving for a meeting or convention and are on corporate credit cards. Especially fees for things that in some cases don’t cost the property very much or nothing at all or are not even used by the guest.
We are an entertainment destination, and it’s challenging when a guest leaves after having an amazing weekend or visit, only to be hit up for fees on the way out the door as their last interaction. Experiences that guests covet through our service and amenities.
