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Book part
Publication date: 1 April 2003

Kurt Borchard

Baudelaire (1863) and Benjamin (1983) used the term flaneur to denote a modern man who could evocatively describe social life in urban areas. A flaneur was poetically to describe…

Abstract

Baudelaire (1863) and Benjamin (1983) used the term flaneur to denote a modern man who could evocatively describe social life in urban areas. A flaneur was poetically to describe the ephemeral nature of modern urban life, but without acting as a consumer. Here I approach Las Vegas from the perspective of a flaneur, and discuss the possibilities in that city for flanerie today. I introduce the concept pseudo-flanerie, and apply it to postmodern tourism. In Las Vegas, pseudo-flaneurs wander from one impersonation of a city/culture/era to another, stroll from one game to another, and move from one presentation of self to another. However, surveillance, social control, and the organizing principles of capitalism structure each. I also discuss pseudo-flanerie in Las Vegas in terms of temporality, morality, and consumption practices. I find that the flaneur’s traditionally anti-consumer stance has been endangered in tourist cities like Las Vegas, where mock cities have commodified city-like experiences to tourists who ultimately pay to engage in practices traditionally associated with flaneurs. A postmodern tourist environment like Las Vegas, therefore, creates the conditions for the pseudo-flaneur to emerge.

Details

Studies in Symbolic Interaction
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76231-009-8

Book part
Publication date: 26 November 2019

Timothy W. Luke

This survey of Las Vegas, Nevada, as a benchmark for the transformations of the Anthropocene, is a provisional exercise in applied social theory. Like multiple processes of…

Abstract

This survey of Las Vegas, Nevada, as a benchmark for the transformations of the Anthropocene, is a provisional exercise in applied social theory. Like multiple processes of desertification that are accelerating in and around Las Vegas, this study is provisional, as it follows Las Vegas as a discrete place whose desertifying qualities are spreading far beyond Nevada, regionally, nationally, globally, and virulently so. Las Vegas, Las Vegas Valley, Mohave Desert, and Colorado River Basin are biopolitical spaces and geophysical places that iteratively replicate the psycho-social contradictions of people in search of sustainable lifestyles in global spaces rocked by ecological catastrophe, and which is open to critical scrutiny. The study more closely examines how systems of organized growth tied to commercial degradation, urban demography, military development, and nuclear devastation drive desertification in this region as well as elsewhere. Like the planet’s other sprawling cities, Las Vegas is an integral component in the globalizing neoliberal omnipolitanization of the Earth’s surface. The neoliberal logic of “winner takes all” also is reflected in the metrometabolic exchanges of these extraordinary urban formations. The rampant overdevelopment of a vast urban simulation, featuring multiple ruinations of its own built and natural landscapes, may give many Las Vegans, and probably most Vegas visitors, their most fundamental sense of place.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 October 2018

Brendan Richard

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the dramatic transformation of Las Vegas from a local watering hole to a world renowned entertainment city, and to offer…

6265

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the dramatic transformation of Las Vegas from a local watering hole to a world renowned entertainment city, and to offer predictions of what this ever-changing city might become in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of turning points in Las Vegas’ history are presented in a chronological manner, highlighting how external forces have played a role in shaping the city into what it is today. These external forces are then used as the underlying reasoning for a series of scenarios, signposts informing predictions detailing what might happen to Las Vegas in the future.

Findings

The development of Las Vegas has been influenced by a wide range of external factors, from geology, government, organized crime, business visionaries, large corporations and the economy. The continued influence of these factors could lead to drastically divergent outcomes from the loss of the city to a new golden age.

Originality/value

This paper identifies turning points that have helped to shape the development of Las Vegas, and in doing so encourages researchers to consider future scenarios grounded in the underlying dynamics of the turning points.

Details

Journal of Tourism Futures, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-5911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2012

Li‐Ting (Grace) Yang and Zheng Gu

The purpose of this study is to identify the optimal meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) capacity for Las Vegas and analyze the over‐ and…

3917

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the optimal meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) capacity for Las Vegas and analyze the over‐ and under‐capacity situation in Las Vegas from 2010 through 2014. The study provides recommendations for Las Vegas's future MICE development based on the capacity analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A single‐period inventory model, which involves cost of over‐capacity, cost of under‐capacity, and forecasted future MICE demand, was used to identify the optimal capacity in terms of MICE square foot days for each year from 2010 through 2014. The model, which identified optimal capacity, was compared to the planned available capacity for each year to determine the magnitude of over‐ or under‐capacity.

Findings

The cost of over‐capacity was found much greater than the cost of under‐capacity. The model that identified optimal capacity indicates that Las Vegas will experience severe over‐capacity from 2010 to 2014.

Research limitations/ implications

The findings of this study should help researchers and practitioners evaluate the current status of the Las Vegas MICE industry in terms of capacity efficiency. The results suggest that the MICE development in Las Vegas is heading for over‐capacity and the industry must downscale its development plan in the near future to avoid severe over‐capacity.

Originality/value

For the first time in MICE research, this study develops an inventory model for determining the optimal MICE capacity. The model enables researchers and practitioners to identify and quantify over‐ and under‐capacity in the MICE industry in a scientific way.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 October 2021

Lynn Marie Jamieson, Brandon Douglas Howell and Carlos Siu Lam

The purpose of this study was to discover, qualitatively, periods of involvement in Las Vegas gambling marketing campaigns and analyze success factors that may be useful to other…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to discover, qualitatively, periods of involvement in Las Vegas gambling marketing campaigns and analyze success factors that may be useful to other gambling destinations, particularly in the Asian market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was established to allow a two-pronged approach of semi-structured interviews and site analysis coupled with review of planning and marketing documents in Las Vegas, Nevada 1980–2000 era and ending with the 2019 branding approach.

Findings

Results revealed degrees of success and rationales for changes in campaigns over a 40-year period. When analyzing market strategies, it became evident that many factors were involved decisions to visit Las Vegas, such as social, safety and security factors, as well as opportunities for recreation.

Research limitations/implications

Gaining access to top level executives proved challenging due to reluctance of subjects wanting to disclose business strategies.

Originality/value

This study was unique in employing qualitative processes to elicit planning and marketing approaches and relative successes or failures from those involved in multi-property management. Further, analysis of documents over a wide time frame provided insight into the pitfalls and strengths associated with various campaigns.

Details

Asian Education and Development Studies, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-3162

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2012

Deborah C. Fowler, Mitzi K. Lauderdale, Ben K. Goh and Jingxue (Jessica) Yuan

This study seeks to assess international tourists' perception of safety while shopping in the USA, using Las Vegas as the study site. Over recent years, Las Vegas became an…

949

Abstract

Purpose

This study seeks to assess international tourists' perception of safety while shopping in the USA, using Las Vegas as the study site. Over recent years, Las Vegas became an international destination for visitors from the Asia‐Pacific region to celebrate Chinese New Year. In February 2007, Las Vegas hosted the NBA All‐Star Game for the first time from February 16 to 18. The two major events occurred over the same weekend. When two cultures shared a single site, however, the combination presented an issue of safety concern.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using an intercept methodology over the three‐day period in a major shopping venue/casino from February 15 to 17, 2007.

Findings

The study finds that many of the tourists carried a large amount of cash on their person. As the week progressed, Asian visitors were less likely to feel their person and belongings were safe in the three major venues researched of restaurants, shopping centers, and amusement parks.

Originality/value

Few papers have addressed the safety concerns of international tourists in the USA, specifically in Las Vegas. Findings of this study contribute to the safety and security management of various tourist venues.

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 10 November 2011

Danyang Lu

The study here probes how tourists interpret their unique experiences while traveling in Macau, Las Vegas, and Monaco – well-known “Gambling Meccas.” The study applies one form of…

Abstract

The study here probes how tourists interpret their unique experiences while traveling in Macau, Las Vegas, and Monaco – well-known “Gambling Meccas.” The study applies one form of brand netnography to collect and analyze information about traveling experience in these three cities. One positive travel blog and one negative are selected and discussed each for Macau, Las Vegas, and Monaco. The study examines the validity of balance theory – a motivational theory of attitude change (Heider, 1958). Balance theory conceptualizes the consistency motive as a drive toward psychological balance (Hokky, S., & Deni, K. (2004). Social balance theory: Revisiting Heider's balance theory for many agents. Departmental Technical Report (Unpublished). The study probes how iconic symbols of brands influence visitors' experience. The findings inform marketing strategic suggestions for Macau, Las Vegas, and Monaco on how to build an effective destination brand and how to improve visitors' traveling experience.

Details

Tourism Sensemaking: Strategies to Give Meaning to Experience
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-85724-853-4

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1998

Victoria A. Nozero, Penelope A. Whitten, Shelley Heaton, Kay Tuma, Nancy Master and Alison Armstrong

As the University of Nevada, Las Vegas continues building its new library, questions arise: Will the library instruction section be responsible for teaching students how to use…

Abstract

As the University of Nevada, Las Vegas continues building its new library, questions arise: Will the library instruction section be responsible for teaching students how to use word processing software? How will the new location affect the demand for bibliographic instruction? What will the new classrooms look like? In addition, staffing limitations, the library’s electronic environment, support from the teaching faculty, the library’s budget, and user demographics produce pressures that drive the direction an instruction program ultimately follows. The library staff can influence and control all of these pressures except one: user demographics. In this article, the authors discuss UNLV’s user population, how it has affected the development of a flexible library instruction program at UNLV, and how the online tutorial at another large urban university relates to its user population.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 26 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2021

Kimberly Nehls

YouthBuild programs are uniquely designed to address the status of unemployed and uneducated young men and women who are disconnected from work and education. This study, on…

Abstract

Purpose

YouthBuild programs are uniquely designed to address the status of unemployed and uneducated young men and women who are disconnected from work and education. This study, on YouthBuild Las Vegas (YBLV), aims to fill the call for more research on transformative service research, specifically related to education, poverty and well-being. The program educates “opportunity youth” in construction skills while also encouraging progression toward a GED/HiSet or high school diploma. Service providers can better understand how to increase and support reconnection and well-being, especially among low-income individuals in communities with great needs for support services.

Design/methodology/approach

This yearlong qualitative research study intended to better understand transformative service within the context of former high school dropouts previously without a path to a productive future. YBLV was an ideal single-site case study because it was bound by space, people, organization and time. The study followed one YBLV class from admission through graduation; the qualitative work with the organization started prior to the students’ enrollment and continued after the students graduated. Primary data collections were interviews and observations. Additional data collection occurred in the forms of written documents, as well as photos and videos.

Findings

YBLV succeeded because of service providers’ attention to the funds of knowledge of the student population and adapting the format and structure of programs to adult learners, developing mentors for consumers and acknowledging the context and layers of knowledge that consumers brought to the program. The students were able to experience reconnection and increased well-being because of the service providers’ impact throughout the program.

Research limitations/implications

Transformative service research (TSR) research has focused on areas as diverse as health care and homelessness, whereas the lens of funds of knowledge has primarily been applied within educational settings. It would be worthwhile to apply funds of knowledge framework beyond education yet still within the TSR agenda. There are also opportunities to apply the theory to other vulnerable populations. Broadening the scope of reconnection and well-being TSR research far beyond YouthBuild may identify additional or other synergies between these areas.

Practical implications

The growing body of research on TSR suggested a gap in understanding how service providers can support consumers in poverty and a need for greater well-being. This study on YouthBuild highlighted the phenomenon among low-income, undereducated, urban young adults and while the goal of qualitative research is not to be generalizable, specific examples such as adapting programs and structures to low-income consumers, developing mentors to model wanted behavior and goal-setting and acknowledging the funds of knowledge that consumers bring to situations, can be generic ingredients for future transformative service projects.

Social implications

Research has demonstrated that public investment in programs that assist youth toward a positive trajectory and greater well-being is much more beneficial than disciplinary measures such as increased spending on policing and prisons. Employment and educational training programs have led to measurable success and when disconnected youth have greater vocational training and high school completion, they and the broader economy experience improved outcomes. Therefore, from a policy perspective, YouthBuild and programs like it emphasize growth, development and well-being for undereducated and low-income individuals.

Originality/value

The funds of knowledge theoretical framework are new to the Journal of Services Marketing (JSM). That framework coupled with the population of former high school dropouts in a second-chance school and a focus on service providers and well-being within a poverty context, all contribute to the paper’s originality. Reconnection is also a relatively new concept for readers of JSM. These three areas: funds of knowledge, reconnection and TSR are the backbone of this research.

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