More flights to Vegas for Mexican Independence Day

Published September 14, 2012 10:42am ET



LAS VEGAS (AP) — More than twice as many flights from Mexico are landing in Las Vegas in the three days leading up to Mexican Independence Day than during an average three days.

McCarran International Airport officials say 42 flights are coming directly from Mexico between Wednesday and Friday, up from 20 usually scheduled this time of the year.

Representatives from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority say a long list of events and concerts point to Vegas’ rising popularity as an Independence Day destination.

Airport officials say the additional flights could bring in nearly 6,300 Las Vegas visitors from Mexico, up more than 5 percent compared with the same holiday period last year.

Visitors authority officials say international tourists tend to stay longer and spend about $1,100 per trip on non-gambling purchases.