The Cincinnati Enquirer from Cincinnati, Ohio • 141

5-1 THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Sunday, October 20, 194 Las Vegas Eyes Its Rainbow; Profits Are Off May of 1974 shows revenues in April 1974 at $1,124,135 as compared with $768,430 for April 1973 an Increase of 46.3." Conventions do bring people and people do spend money. But generating con vention business does cost money, too. Charles Anderson of the Nevada Gaming Control Board puts it: "Gross figures, alone, don't reveal much; they don't Indicate advertising and promotional costs, Increased materials and payroll and maintenance costs." They don't reveal profits or, losses either. Anderson attributed the substantial increase ($50 million) in gaming grosses for the first half of this year partially because of the increase in the number of casinos, primarily the MGM Grand Hotel, which is the world's largest But perhaps the Increase represents desperation gambling. Things are tough, money is tight A man grabs a plane and hopes to solve his money problems at the gambling tables.

Dave Grubnlck, city editor of the Las Vegas Sun, said: "Business Is off. I know business is off. But 20 is a SAI1 FRANCISCO (rwM I mr. travel irj. oi' m-m tm little high.

Perhaps 8 to 12 Is closer." But what about the Increase in gambling? "Well," Grubnlck said. "The MGM Grand Hotel Is not only the largest hotel In the world, It's a tourist attraction in Itself. People come to see It, and while they're looking they spend money." Despite disclaimers, the big slot machine that represents Vegas profits is coming op for perhaps tbe first lime in recent history with lemons. the tourist buck has become a high-pressure race. The freebie kings and their imitators are giving everything away Now, along comes Dairy Freeze (an ice cream outfit).

They're giving away diamond rings, backed by a reward if anyone can prove they're not absolutely genuine." Other publications are loaded with ads for discount show tickets and "wholesale fun packs" worth, it says, $300, $400 and $500 "all for $10 to out-of-state visitors." They claim to Include such items as "$216 in slotplay, $16 in nickels; $72 in luck bucks; $30 in drinks; $6 in souvenirs." Many ads Included a listing of old prices for new shows: Early this month the Silver Slipper was offering Bernle Allen and Steve Rossi and. the "Red Garter Nudes" for a two-drink minimum of $3 per person, tax included. The Royal Casino was offered the "Bare Minimum Revue" for $3, including two drinks. "Spice on Ice," featuring "lovely. nude skaters," at the Hacienda advertised the dinner show from $6.95, and the midnight show for $5, while the Flamingo Capri Casino offered breakfast for 77 lunch for $1.75 and dinner for $2.25.

OLDTIMERS In gambling of whom there are fewer each year, hold that when profits go down (and they are, fundamentally, In gambling), give away the food, give away the booze, cut the price of show admissions and hotel rooms until it hurts, but bring the gambling money in. But the oldtimers have been replaced by the corporate executives who think in terms of departmental profits, the cost of food, and computer input and readout on everything. So, mostly, food is high, booze is high, few of the big hotels give anything much away, and entertainment generally is costly. A real factor in the story of the Las Vegas gross figures appears in this LVCVA report: "The result of (convention) business generated by the LVCVA for April and i fcW I I A Elliot 'i'mrtmi i in iii iiiiMiiiiii ill in i ii i i i ii i ii i ii iili nit ii il.iiii" i ini'rc' Direct from Cincinnati Announcing Second Annual By ROYSURG New York News Writer LAS VEGAS, Is making It big in this kingdom in the desert. It is playing the big rooms and the small lounges, the hotel rooms and the casinos.

Vegas entrepreneurs are paying It more than they pay Frank Sinatra or Sammy Davis Jr. And that's a bundle. Profits are off. Costs are up. Business is down, for the most part The overall picture is spotty.

What you hear depends on whom you talk to and, frequently, whether the conversation is on, or off, the record. You talk to some of the press agents, some of the public relations executives, some of the hotel association officers, some of the resort salesmen who obviously believe that If you paint each word brightly, you'U wind up with a rainbow. Talk to some of the same, off the record, and the rainbow starts to turn gray. Not black, mind you, Just gray. Things aren't quite as good as they told you.

Things are a little rough. Money is tighter. Some people are spending their summer vacations at home. But it won't last forever. Things will pick up.

There Is, after all, a real rainbow. The cocktail coffee shop waitresses, the waiters, the bellmen and taxi drivers the people who depend on tips for a living have another story. Tips are way off. There aren't as many people spending as much money as last year. They aren't making the usual rounds of the hotels, In the same number, by taxi.

They aren't eating as often in the better restaurants; and, in the coffee shops, they're ordering brunch Instead of breakfast and lunch. PROFESSIONALS who represent the hotel-casinos have a reputation for talking straight. They don't ask you If it's for the record or not A case in point: Tony Zoppi, public relations man for the Riviera Hotel, conceded a decline in room reservations of "about 8" and an unspecified decline In restaurant and coffee shop volume. Gambling, he said, was better than last year. "Despite the decline in I some areas, Zoppi said, "we've recorded about a 12 Caribbean Cruise Bargain NFS Will Rebuild Revolutionary Fort This ad Is lha (ist-tlm oKeflivj of a special all-Inclusive Caribbean Cmlta Vacation being offered exclusively to residents In the Southwestern Ohio aiea.

We expect It to sell fast at these prices, bo read the highlights below and send today for our detailed brochure. Welcome To Las Vegas inflation's raking In the chips bought the property last year, and archeologlcal digs followed to learn more about the original fort Much also was discovered about barracks life of that era. Flying to Europe? jo shopping in a double-duty-free port. Nevis, Montscrrat, Martinique, St. Vincent, Bequia, St.

Maartin, St. Thomas, Dominica and San Juan are all among your port of call. The vacation includes round-trip, non-stop chattered sir transportation via Trans International Airlines, a U. S. Certificated Supplemental Air Carrier, from Cincinnati.

No plane changes. No customs to clear in A Superb Ocean-Going Cruise Ship Your ship, the MTS Jason, made her maiden voyage in 1967, and has the highest safety rating. It offers tho very latest in luxury cruise facilities and fine cuisine. And because we're carrying a limited number of passengers, you'll get an unusual amount of attention and personal service no matter which cabin you choose. This trip has just been released publicly, so thcre't still a selection of staterooms available, priced from SS25 to $680, per person.

Most cabins arc outside with two lower beds; all have private bathrooms and a third person in your cabin costs only $500. An Exceptional Luxury Cruise Vacation This special luxury cruise is only offered to residents of Southwestern Ohio once each season. This year tho ship sails February thru February 8. Staterooms aro limited. So make your reservations now to avoid disappointment.

Price includes air fare, meals, stateroom, baggage and passenger transfers and all applicable taxes and port Ices. You pay only gratuities, personal services (dry cleaning, hair dresser, etc.) and optional shore tours. Eight Days, Seven Nights Unique Caribbean Ports of Call Often with ill A Flair of Europe mm jii ma I r.Ti WGS and WHEELS (All Inclusive) A Special Vacation Value From The National Park Service has awarded a $4.3 million contract for the reconstruction of Ft. Stanwlx, a bastion of resistance to the British advance in the Revolutionary War. Ronald H.

Walker, NPS director, said the fort will be built of logs and will Include barracks, cannon platform and a maintenance building. Construction will be completed by the end of 1975, he said. The rebuilt fort will be much as It was In 1777, when British Colonel St. Leger's troops were beaten back when they tried to advance down the Mohawk River to support General Burgoyne's three-pronged attack on Albany, N.Y., an unsuccessful effort to cut the colonies in half. Walker said the fort was built by British Gen.

John Stanwlx during the French and Indian War in 1758. After the Revolution, It became an Indian trading post and was destroyed by fire in 1781. Fifty years later the land was leveled for urban development The State of New York bought the site In 1927 in commemoration of the fort's role in the Revolution. Congress declared it a national monument in 1935. The City of Rome, N.Y., Travel Unlimited Cruise to the deep Caribbean at the most beautiful time of the year.

You'll call at the "larger ports" such as Martinique and St. Thomas and sail to the "hidden" and most beautiful islands in this area, rarely visited by regular scheduled cruises. Take in the casino nightlife, walk through the villages, enjoy tho beaches and Send for our brochure today or call any of these ttavcl agents for full details and reservations. Travel Unlimited Kihm Travel 8012 Host rook Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236 891-3320 Fairfield Travel Servica 5144 Pleasant Avcnuo Fairfield, OH 45014 863-3338 ANNOUNCING TWO VALUE-PACKED ONE WEEK MIDWINTER VACATIONS BY AMERICAN AIRLINES CHARTER 707 JETS FROM CINCINNATI TO HAWAII February 4 8 days and 7 nights fo enjoy the islands.

Visit Hilo, the Volcanoes, Kona and exciting Honolulu. Deluxe accommodations in beautiful resort hotels. Breakfast daily and 2 dinners included. Sightseeing. Leisure time in the sun.

Direct charter flight from Cincinnati only $579 MEXICO -February 12 8 days and 7 nights south of the border. Visit Mexico City, ancient Jaxco and glamorous Acapulco. Deluxe accommodations in first class hotels. Breakfast daily and 4 dinners included. Sightseeing.

Leisure Direct charter flight from Cincinnati only $464 1 0 South Main Oxford, Ohio 45056 Phone: 513523-6329 Tall me more about this special luxury eruhe for residents of Southwestern Ohio. Pleasa mall ma your trip brochure. Pier 'N Port Traval 2444 Madison Road Cincinnati, OH 45203 321-3221 Tours, Inc. 7.040 Madison Ave. Covington, KY 41014 (606)261-7916 Mama Street Travel Hoosa Travel Agency Travel Bug 2700 Observatory Rd.

2209 LosanfJvillc Rd. Cincinnati, Oil 45208 Cincinnati, OH 45237 871-1668 531-5600 City, State, Zip MORE VACATION SUGGESTIONS LasVegas -BkTOUST AlDOIN CSenT tNNDUNBS. UNITED 1FUAMINOO SAHMW I Ulfl 01 HLANDMWR Get a 200 mile headstart. Boston is 200 miles closer to Europe. What's more, unlike many other East Coast airports, congestion is non-existent.

All airlines are just a few minutes' walk away. And when you return home, our selective inspection system speeds you through Customs. So tell your travel agent or airline to book you to Europe and back via Boston. In most cases, you'll save well as time. Write today for free brochure "Logan Made Eas' ncisspcrt BostonLogan International Airport A Massport facility.

Department C-8 470 Atlantic Ave, Boston MA 02210 ajjkv "-v XT I I 93 I I I Bv HaNI 8 I i I I as Ths weekend package plan you put together yourself. Lots of motor inns offer you "package" savings if you want to get away foraweekend. But you have to arrive in time to get your free cocktail, and, "Oh, sorry, sir. Only the spaghetti dinner comes with the package." Not at Hospitality. Because we don't think y'ou really want to try to relax on a strict schedule.

So we olfer you a big luxurious room with remote-control color TV and 24-hour room service. For one, two or three nights you choose. Cocktails in an elegant lounge. Dinner and dancing In one of the best restaurants in town (which happens to be here, too). Simmer in a sauna, splash in a huge pod.

Anything you buy goes on the tab (room, food, drinks, magazines, anything). And when you pay the tab, you get a big discount on everything. So will you spend your next fun-weekend with us? (P.S. Kidsundei21 stay In your room for free or in a second room for half price. So bring 'em along.) I CkiUM ii (WukufO Icom-kctI 0K" FEEL Increase in gross profits.

But we're not a good gauge. We're a small hotel. Action depends, to a great extent, on what performers you book. We now have Engelbert Humperdinck, who will pack the room for his full run, like Sinatra at Caesar's Palace. A spokesman for the Las Vegas Hilton, one of the largest hotels, said, "Top hotels don't suffer as much as the smaller ones." But he admitted the profit picture this year in Vegas is "definitely off." In a recent Issue, Variety reported: "A survey conducted during the first two weeks in August by the Las Vegas Convention Visitors Authority (LVCVA) revealed that two thirds of the tourists surveyed considered Las Vegas too expensive, and only one third thought the area was a family vacation spot" Of 200 visitors polled, 27 said they spent $26 to $50 each day, exclusive of gambling; a third spent $51 to $100 a day.

PANORAMA of Las Vegas, a weekly publication directed toward visitors recently reported: "With sales off and everybody complaining about a slow season, competition for Trains, Buses Team Up On Ticketing Plan New York Times Service Amtrak and Greyhound have gotten together with a plan that enables them to sell tickets on each other's interconnecting routes. The railroad corporation has already Implemented its half of the agreement by authorizing Its agents to ticket passengers over nine Greyhound routes linking up with Amtrak services. Greyhound plans to begin ticketing Amtrak passengers January 1. The agreement calls for new routes to be added over the next 18 months. Among bus-rail routes so far included in the plan are: New Orleans-Blloxl-Moblle -Tallahassee Jacksonville; Tampa-St.

Petersburg-Sarasota-Ft. Myers-Naples, and Boston-Portland Bangor St. Stephen (New Brunswick). HAVE MORE FUN Weekly HAWAII our famous 4-lsIand Holidays operated by Carton. Two weeks.

Small groups. Beautiful resort hotels. Escorted in the islands. Weekly jet departures from Chicago. Deluxe Kamaaina tour 1 1 58.

Superior 4-lsland tour $828 Each group limited to 40. Special AAA group departures from Cincinnati November 16, December 14, January 18, February March 15, end monthly. Higher rates in 1 975. Weekly MEXICO featuring low group air fares from Cincinnati. Different tour plans available.

Call for folder! Acapulco Holiday, nights at the new Hotel Fiesta Tortuga, only $292 Special jet departures from Cincinnati every weekend. Winter rates higher. November 18 CARIBBEAN FALL CRUISE our always so popular, annual Thanksgiving cruise to the West Indies. Sail on the world famous Holland America liner Statendam from Ft. Lauderdale to Curacao, La Guaira, St.

Vincent, Martinique, St. Thomas. Great cruise for Christmas shopping in duty-free ports. 1 2 days. Escorted.

Rates from $755 February 20 CARIBBEAN WINTER CRUISE also on the Statendam. Same itinerary as the fall cruise. 12 days. Escorted. Rates from $829 Rates quoted are from Cincinnati, per person twin basis, subject to change.

For folders, information, reservations just contact any of our 1 0 offices! hospitality motor WITH AN inns 1HJI lolm I ii am awaiL 7 Stopover In Las Vegat, San Francisco, Na' UntTED Los Angeles or San Diego at no additional airfare! Guaranteed weekly departures on scheduled Round Trip DELTA UNITED AIRLINES JETS from CINCINNATI All Aloha Tours include Scheduled Airlines, Escort, Hotels (named and confirmed at time of Lei Greeting, Round-trip Airport-Hotel Transfers, Baggage Handling (2 bags), ML TantalusCity tiip or more! No regimentation! 1- WEEK TOURS AioluiOaKu Dcparhccry Tuesday. $000 7 niphts Cincr.un.i Kecf Toum in W.iikiki. JOO AlchafbroJkl Departs every Sunday. 00 Sheraton Princess Kaiulani in VVjikikl. 2- WEEK TOURS "KroaV1" ALkllWoikiki Sheraton Princess $C1 Kaiulani in the heart of Waikiki.

JL AifiKa 4-Is(e Sheraton Princess Kaiuluni. Hilo I.agoon, tg Kona Lagoon. Kaanapali Beach. Kuiiui '11 Ueachboy. All Superior Hotels.

Ulv J'ltn. tcubl occupancy, round trip tiilm included, plut tii; te'tict Thr Quality Tours to Hawaii (Atoha (Hawaii, HONOLULU CHICAGO BOSTON DALLAS DETROIT LOi ANGLLL.S PHILADELPHIA SAN FRANCISCO TAMPA ALOHA HAWAII IRAVtL." LTD. Affiliate of B. F. Dillingham Honolulu 5 CINCINNATI AUTOMOBILE CLUB CENTRAL PARKWAY AT RACE 762-3300 BEECHMONT MALL 762-3430 SWIFTON CENTER.

762-3420 WESTERN HILLS. 6363 Glenwoy 762-3400 LAWRENCEBURG, IND 537-0389 WILMINGTON, OHIO 382-222? POGUE'S TRAVEL BUREAU DOWNTOWN 38 1-4700 KENWOOD PLAZA 891-8300 t' (800) 362-2960 One toll-free call gets you alt the details and personally confirmed reservation at a nearby Inn. In Cleveland phone 243-8765. From outside Ohio phone (800) 321-2323 Or call your travel agent. INNS in: Ft.

Wayne. Indianapolis, Lexington Grand Rapids, Lansing, Cincinnati, Cleveland (East and West), Columbus, Toledo, Pittsburgh. Open Soon St. Louis, Cleveland (South), Hartford Sprlngflerd, Atlanta. Holiday Inns Knight Newspapers Holiday Inns, which now operate 1675 inns in more than 40 countries world's largest chain will build a '380-room hotel In Manila, its first venture In the Philippines.

NORTHGATE MALL 385-4700 TRI-COUNTY 671-8100 1.