Reno tourism officials' London trip criticized

Attending the four-day World Travel Market through Thursday are Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority chief Phil Keene, Reno Mayor and RSCVA Chairman Jeff Griffin, and their wives.

RSCVA, charged with promoting tourism in the Reno area, is fighting to retain existing customers because of increased competition from Las Vegas and Indian casinos.

Bruce Dewing, chief operating officer at the Ramada Inn-Speakeasy Casino, said he thinks RSCVA should market regionally and nationally rather than trying to lure visitors from Europe.

"I think it's a blatant waste of our tax dollars, period," he said. "I think it's really the height of arrogance."

Dean Richard, marketing and sales director at Circus Circus Hotel Casino, said he's skeptical about dividends from the London trip.

RSCVA has generated little international traffic each year from a major U.S. show that draws international tourism suppliers, he said.

But other casino executives support the London trip, saying RSCVA needs to broaden its marketing scope to draw more visitors.

"We have to go out and get new markets," said John Ascuaga of John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks. "I know the return might be marginal ... but we've got to start someplace.

"All the little pieces make a great big piece. We can only go to Northern California for so long."

Rhett Long, senior vice president and general manager of the Reno Hilton, said Reno has a chance to capture international visitors who already flock to the West.

"We have to go put ourselves in the international marketplace," he said. "I think we'll see more and more people (if we do)."

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