Las Vegas has been chosen as the destination for the 27th World Routes Development Forum in 2021 following a competitive selection process.

As the world’s largest commercial aviation event, World Routes brings together 3000 senior decision-makers from the aviation and tourism industries to meet face-to-face, discuss the future of air services and explore new route opportunities.

Announced during IMEX America in Las Vegas this week, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport won the bid for the event, which will take place on 13–15 September 2021.

Las Vegas was the first US host destination for a World Routes event in 2013 and then went on to host Routes Americas in 2017.

Steven Small, band director of routes, said returning to Las Vegas was a “natural fit” for the event and a great opportunity to showcase the developments and new routes the city has seen in the last few years.

“Six years on from the first Routes event held here, there’s undoubtedly a new story to tell,” he said.

The aviation industry is an integral part of the Las Vegas economy, with McCarran International Airport driving billions of dollars into the community and supporting 25 percent of all local employment.

In 2018, the airport welcomed an all-time high of 49.7 million passengers, with international passenger traffic steadily on the rise, and up nearly 70 percent since 2009.

In hosting World Routes, Las Vegas hopes to continue this trend by attracting new air services and visitors.

Rosemary Vassiliadis, director of the Clark County Department of Aviation, said the event is a great chance to showcase the airport’s recent investments.

“From infrastructure improvements like the renovation of Terminal 1 and doubling our number of international gates, to our ever-expanding amenities like a new high-end airport lounge and expansive duty-free retail location, Las Vegas has worked hard to develop one of the world’s most modern and efficient airports,” she said.