Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Appoints New MD for China

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) China has appointed Peter Phang as its new Managing Director. He succeeds Ms Reene Ho, who now heads Brand USA's team for Hong Kong and Taiwan.

As Managing Director of LVCVA China, Peter will oversee the promotion of Las Vegas in the Greater China market.

Las Vegas welcomed a record of 39.7 million visitors in 2012, and is currently America's most popular destination for international travelers.

His immediate task will be to boost the number of Chinese visitors as part of the LVCVA's target of increasing the percentage of international visitors from 17% to 30% over the next 10 years.

Peter has 19 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry. From 2008 to May 2013, he served as China Country Manager for the Tourism and Culture Authority of Abu Dhabi. His 5-year tenure saw the emirate enjoy over 300% increase in visitation by Chinese travelers, with a 187% increase in actual number of guests checking into the emirate's hotel establishments.

He was also responsible for Abu Dhabi's month-long showcase at the UAE Pavilion in Shanghai during World Expo 2010, as well as Volvo Ocean Race and Formula One brand activations in-market, to highlight the experience of the emirate's tourism offerings.

"Peter's extensive experience in managerial tasks within the travel and hospitality industry provides him a quick takeoff in his new role. I am very pleased to have him on board this international team," says Michael Goldsmith, Vice President of International Sales for Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Peter's immediate plan as he takes on his new role is to target travelers in China's secondary markets such as the Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Sichuan provinces. He will also lead the team to expand Las Vegas' network in Hong Kong and the U.S Visa Waiver Taiwan region.

"I am very excited to embark on promoting Las Vegas as it is a multi-dimensional destination where anything is possible! As an international tourism destination, the city continues to reinvent itself with more than $26 billion invested in tourism offerings in the last five years. The magic of Las Vegas lies in its ability to bring visitors to a place beyond their imagination with its world-class hotels, spectacular shows, outdoor activities, shopping, finest dining and nightlife. It is beyond doubt The Entertainment Capital of the World!" said Peter.

The team will continue to work closely with LVCVA's head office in Las Vegas, as well as with Beijing-based Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT)'s China office. China brought more visitors than ever before in 2012 and has become the number one source of Asian travelers to Las Vegas in recent years.