The Story Behind “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas”

Inside Las Vegas
Inside Las Vegas | © Schnitzel_bank / Flickr
Lauryn Wilder

At one time, Las Vegas was a place for outcasts and outlaws. Later, the city became the place to go for live entertainment, with A-list celebrities such as Elvis and the Rat Pack making regular appearances on the Strip. Then it became the place for families to come during summer vacations, with attractions and amusement rides at every resort. Since 2003, Las Vegas has branded itself as an adult’s paradise with its nightclubs, pool parties, and the world-famous tag line “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.”

Credit for the slogan belongs to the advertising company R&R Partners. The marketing campaign began as a way to diversify Las Vegas’ image and brand beyond the Wild West, gambling, and family-friendly activities. The campaign took off, spawning years of television and print ads, including some unforgettable commercials involving buttoned-up businessmen and a prosthetic stiff upper lip. The slogan has turned out to be one of the most successful marketing campaigns in the tourism industry.

Welcome to Las Vegas

Despite initial pushback from those who thought the idea might be too exploitative, the “what happens here, stays here” slogan remains popular because of the message it sends to potential visitors. The slogan deliberately communicates freedom. When you come to Las Vegas, you can do anything and be anything you want to be. You can spend the money you work so hard to save; you can have the extra drink you’d normally decline after dinner. You can talk to the attractive stranger at the bar and dance on top of the bar because, no matter the end result, no one at home has to know.

Since the economy of Las Vegas is dependent on tourism, the city thrives on change. Whether it’s the skyline of the Strip or marketing strategies, Las Vegas strives to stay fresh in the minds of its guests. The city endeavors, with every renovation and addition, to indulge and tend to a guest’s every desire. “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas” lets everyone know who comes to visit that no matter what happens, your secrets will be safe.

Las Vegas at night

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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