Las Vegas Tries To Lure Tourists After Canceling New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show

New Year’s Eve will have a much more subdued feel in Las Vegas this year, as the fireworks that traditionally ring in the new year have been canceled, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced.

"Las Vegas has always been a bucket list New Year’s Eve destination. But as we have said throughout the year, the safety and security of our guests and employees is our top priority, and with that in mind, we will not have a fireworks show on December 31st," the group's chief executive Steve Hill said in a statement Thursday.

Hill said that there are "some special things planned to welcome 2021 with the hope and promise it brings" but did not provide details about the plans.

While portions of the Las Vegas Strip have reopened amid the pandemic with a series of safety measures in place such as face masks, plexiglass shields at gaming tables, and enhanced cleaning and social distancing requirements, the tourist destination has been suffering, with shows closed down and reduced operations hours.

Now that the New Year’s Eve fireworks have been canceled, many of the city's venues will feel a tighter pinch than in past years. The city, known for its gambling and entertainment, has relied on big events such as New Year's Eve to lure tourists. Las Vegas saw 318,000 visitors for the New Year's Eve celebration in December 2019.

The Las Vegas Strip is not the only New Year’s event that has been disrupted because of the coronavirus pandemic. New York City’s Times Square Ball Drop has been moved to a virtual event to prevent the spread of the virus among the mass crowds.