News Summary
Rossi Ralenkotter, a pivotal figure in transforming Las Vegas into a global travel destination, died at 78 after a long battle with cancer. Under his leadership from 2004 to 2018, tourism in Las Vegas soared, and he played a key role in iconic campaigns and major events. Ralenkotter is remembered for his contributions to the city’s tourism landscape and is survived by his family. His career was notable for both achievements and controversies.
Las Vegas — Rossi Ralenkotter, a significant leader in the U.S. travel industry, passed away early Friday at the age of 78 after a lengthy 16-year battle with cancer. He died at Nathan Adelson Hospice, surrounded by his family, including his wife Mary Jo, five children, and ten grandchildren.
Ralenkotter served as the president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) from 2004 until his retirement in 2018. He began his career with the LVCVA in 1973 when it was known as the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau, during a time when Las Vegas was primarily seen as a casino town.
Under Ralenkotter’s leadership, Las Vegas transformed into a global travel destination. Tourism in Las Vegas surged from nearly 8.5 million visitors in 1973 to a record 42.9 million visitors in 2016. Additionally, convention attendance increased significantly, jumping from 357,000 to over 6.6 million during his tenure. The number of hotel rooms available grew dramatically, rising from 29,000 to more than 150,000.
A pivotal figure in promotional campaigns, Ralenkotter helped create the “What Happens Here, Stays Here” campaign in 2003, which remained active for nearly two decades. This initiative significantly increased Las Vegas’ visibility and attractiveness as a travel destination.
Ralenkotter also played a crucial role in attracting major events to Las Vegas, including the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). His efforts contributed to the establishment of the Las Vegas Bowl and the development of Cashman Field, which became home to the Triple-A Las Vegas Stars.
In 2018, he proposed an ambitious expansion plan for the Las Vegas Convention Center that included the acquisition of the former Riviera Hotel and Casino, aimed at enhancing the convention capacity of the city.
Despite his substantial contributions to Las Vegas tourism, Ralenkotter’s career was not without controversy. In 2018, an investigation regarding the misuse of airline travel gift cards led to scrutiny and ultimately his retirement. In 2020, he was indicted for this misuse but later pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor and paid fines.
Originally from Las Vegas, Ralenkotter was a graduate of Bishop Gorman High School. He earned degrees from Arizona State University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Throughout his career, Ralenkotter received numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Marketing Association. He was also inducted into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.
Ralenkotter was known to be a lifelong fan of the Cincinnati Reds and actively supported local baseball initiatives. His final public appearance took place on September 19, when he was honored by the Las Vegas Aviators with a bobblehead doll depicting him.
He is survived by his wife Mary Jo, their five children—Tami, Tiffy, Kathy, Robyn, Todd—and eleven grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at St. Viator Catholic Church.
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- The Nevada Independent
- Google Search: Rossi Ralenkotter
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- Google Scholar: Rossi Ralenkotter
- Travel Weekly
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rossi Ralenkotter
- News 3 LV
- Google News: Rossi Ralenkotter
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