Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas: Everything You Need To Know About The Sign

The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign is one of the most recognizable pieces of signage in U.S. history. The sign, which welcomes visitors at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, is a popular tourist attraction no matter the time of day; there’s a constant line of eager picture takers and families waiting for their moment in front of the famous sign. It has appeared in movies, ad campaigns, commercials, music videos, and on license plates and has become a beloved piece of Las Vegas history.

The sign’s designer, artist Betty Willis, was a native of Las Vegas. She grew up along 7th Street, which is now part of downtown. She lived in Nevada until she died in April 2015, at the age of 91. Betty came across many obstacles in her career as a sign maker, as it was predominantly a male trade. However, her passion for her profession and art trumped any difficulties she came across. During her career, she also designed the signage for the Moulin Rouge, the first desegregated hotel and casino in Las Vegas.

Betty Willis was working at Western Neon when she designed the famous sign; the county purchased the sign through salesman Ted Rogich. It was meant to reflect the spirit of Las Vegas and welcome weary visitors to the place where all of their fantasies could (and still can) come true. The flashing lights represent the flashing lights of the Las Vegas Strip, and the silver-dollar letters symbolize the luck that all visitors hope befalls them during their trip.

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.