Like nearly every other tourist destination that relied on gambling revenue, Lake Tahoe realized if it wanted to stay afloat, the offerings would have to diversify. The area is doing just that, with a little help from other sources as well. JetBlue Airways recently started nonstop flights from New York to Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which has boosted tourism numbers already.
The new Tesla Gigafactory being built 75 miles away won’t hurt tourism either. Sure, it’s not a make-or-break factor, but one would expect a few workers here and there to make the hour-long trek for some R&R after a long week of work.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe is the new guy on the block in Tahoe, which is a $60 million renovation of the former Horizon Casino Resort. Other properties are joining the ranks, such as Harrah’s Tahoe and Harveys, spending up to $14 million in upgrades, which will include new marquees and a renovated convention center at Harrah’s.
The first 10 months of the fiscal year have seen a rise of 4.2 percent in gaming revenue, including a monster April, with $14.5 million, which represented growth of 59.9 percent over the previous April. However, gaming revenue has remained relatively flat since 2010, and properties in the area have responded.
Chateau at the Village expanded to include more retail, a new swimming pool, and 30 condominiums. The Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel pumped an extra $8 million into upgrades in all 400 suites and the lobby, among other areas. Basecamp Hotel also completed 24 new units this spring, and opened a beer garden, hot tub, fire pits, rooftop decks and meeting rooms.
Outdoor fun seems to be on the menu all around, as Tahoe Amore, a new company, is offering Venetian gondola cruises through the Tahoe Keys Marina channels. Several new projects are in the works including the Bijou Bike Park, which will feature BMC and mountain bike courses.
