“What Happens in Vegas…”

The man behind the tagline, Rossi Ralenkotter, talks travel, trends and tips about his hometown.

You may never have heard of Las Vegas native Rossi Ralenkotter, but you certainly have heard of his brainchild. Twelve years ago, he spearheaded the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s (LVCVA) “Vegas Stories”—the most successful branding campaign in tourism history—and its celebrated tagline, “What happens here, stays here.”

We recently sat down with Ralenkotter, the LVCVA president and CEO who has been with the organization for 42 years, to get his insider tips about everything from entertainment and fine art to off-the-beaten path spots and hidden gems.

FAVORITE FREE ACTIVITIES:
The Strip itself, the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, the Fountains at Bellagio, the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the Roman details at Caesars Palace, downtown’s Fremont Street Experience, and the atrium at The Palazzo.

LITTLE-KNOWN LAS VEGAS GEMS:
Look beyond the neon. Las Vegas is an easy jumping-off point to a number of recreation areas, including Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire and the Grand Canyon. Also, check out downtown’s cultural attractions, including the Mob Museum, the Neon Museum and the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

HOT SPOTS FOR ART ENTHUSIASTS:
Check out the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, the amazing public art collection at Aria, impressive sculptures at Wynn and Encore, the neon artistry on display at the Neon Museum—and to see some local talent, don’t miss First Friday or the 18b Arts District downtown.

FUN FACTS:
Las Vegas is home to The High Roller, the tallest observation wheel in the world. The city issues more marriage licenses annually than any other metropolitan area in the country. The majority of the Las Vegas Strip is not located in the city of Las Vegas, rather in an unincorporated town aptly called Paradise, NV.