Sustaining Member Spotlight: Travel Nevada

Opens New Doors to International Adventure 

Nevada is much more than its iconic gateway cities. With extraordinary public lands, distinctive outdoor experiences, and growing international air access, the state is creating new opportunities for inbound operators to develop memorable itineraries for international travelers. 

As an IITA Sustaining Member, Travel Nevada is investing in outdoor adventure, supplier education, and strong relationships with the international travel trade to help more visitors discover the state’s diverse destinations and experiences. 

New Adventure Centers Expand Nevada’s Tourism Opportunities 

Travel Nevada is leading the development of two multimillion-dollar outdoor Adventure Centers designed to connect visitors with Nevada’s outdoor outfitters, attractions, and experience providers. 

The first Adventure Center opened in October 2026 in Boulder City, home of Hoover Dam. Featuring nine tenants offering a variety of outdoor recreation experiences, the center also provides daily shuttle service from designated locations along the Las Vegas Strip, making it easier for visitors to access adventures beyond the city. 

A second Adventure Center is scheduled to open in Carson City in spring 2027, expanding access to Northern Nevada’s outdoor recreation opportunities. 

For inbound operators, these developments offer new possibilities for building itineraries that combine familiar destinations with authentic experiences beyond the traditional tourist trail. 

Connecting Inbound Operators and Destination Partners 

Travel Nevada recognizes that successful international tourism depends on strong, collaborative relationships between destinations, suppliers, and inbound operators. 

Ongoing communication is essential, particularly as more industry professionals work remotely. Face-to-face meetings at trade shows, industry events, and sales missions remain valuable opportunities to build personal connections, understand business needs, and strengthen partnerships. 

Keeping destination content current is equally important. By consistently sharing new product developments, experiences, and travel trends, Travel Nevada helps inbound operators stay informed, create compelling itineraries, and keep Nevada top of mind for international clients. 

Beyond the Bright Lights: Discovering Nevada’s Natural Wonders 

Las Vegas, Reno, and Tahoe remain important gateways for international visitors, but Nevada’s appeal extends well beyond its cities. With more than 86% of the state consisting of public lands, Nevada offers remarkable opportunities for travelers seeking nature, history, and authentic off-the-beaten-path experiences. 

From historic ghost towns and dark-sky destinations to natural hot springs and Great Basin National Park, visitors can discover an unexpected side of Nevada. State parks such as Cathedral Gorge and Valley of Fire showcase distinctive landscapes and outdoor adventures that add depth to a traditional itinerary. 

These experiences allow international travelers to pair Nevada’s iconic destinations with its wide-open spaces, rich history, and remarkable natural beauty. 

Preparing Nevada Businesses for International Travel 

Helping local tourism businesses become international-ready is an important part of Travel Nevada’s strategy. 

The organization provides international tour operator packaging training for Nevada suppliers and destination management companies (DMCs). The training helps participants better understand the needs and expectations of receptive inbound operators, DMCs, and meeting planners, enabling them to develop market-ready products and build stronger partnerships with the international travel trade. 

Travel Nevada has also revamped its Nevada Specialist Program, providing tour operators, DMCs, and receptive operators with updated destination information, including the state’s Top 10 Nevada road trips. The program offers certification and ongoing opportunities to participate in familiarization tours, giving travel professionals firsthand knowledge they can use to develop more engaging Nevada itineraries. 

By investing in education and product development, Travel Nevada is helping ensure that businesses across the state are better prepared to welcome international visitors. 

Building a Strong Future for Inbound Tourism 

Although international visitation naturally experiences periods of growth and contraction, Travel Nevada believes long-term success requires a consistent commitment to international markets, even during times of uncertainty. 

Expanding air service helps strengthen Nevada’s global connectivity. Air France’s Paris–Las Vegas service and Qantas’ Sydney–Las Vegas service provides important international links, while Reno–Tahoe International Airport is undergoing a multibillion-dollar expansion. New nonstop routes, including Nashville–Reno, Phoenix–Reno, and Dallas–Reno, also improve access to Northern Nevada. 

Looking ahead, Travel Nevada sees significant potential to attract international travelers seeking both iconic destinations and authentic outdoor experiences. Continued investment in air access, destination awareness, supplier education, and relationships with the international travel trade will be essential to building a resilient inbound tourism market. 

For IITA members, Nevada presents an opportunity to create itineraries that go beyond the expected and introduce international visitors to a destination full of adventure, discovery, and memorable experiences. 

IITA thanks Travel Nevada for its continued support as a Sustaining Member and its commitment to growing international inbound travel to the United States.  

Robert Graff, Market Manager & Industry Relations, Travel Nevada