United States, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Singapore, United Arab Emirates: A New Era of Experiential Tourism Arrives with Top Gun Attraction at The STRAT

Published on May 26, 2025

In 2028, Las Vegas will reach new heights—literally and figuratively—with the arrival of the Top Gun Experience at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower. This ambitious attraction, inspired by Paramount’s blockbuster film franchise, is poised to become one of the most adrenaline-fueled tourism offerings in the world’s entertainment capital.

Developed by Paramount Global in collaboration with Advent Allen Entertainment, the experience will combine cinematic storytelling, next-generation ride technology, and themed entertainment into a fully immersive environment designed to place guests inside the high-octane world of Top Gun.

Set on an undeveloped plot within The STRAT property, Top Gun Las Vegas (working title) will feature state-of-the-art fighter jet simulators, motion-based thrills, and a destination restaurant modeled after the fan-favorite Hard Deck bar from Top Gun: Maverick. Guests will be invited to step into the cockpit, feel the G-force, and enjoy live piano sing-alongs in a uniquely themed setting that captures the emotional spirit and action-packed energy of the iconic franchise.

The new venture reflects a larger trend transforming Las Vegas from a city of spectacle into a hub for interactive, branded experiences. This initiative is also part of Paramount’s expanding global entertainment portfolio, which now includes attractions and resorts powered by its intellectual properties.

Key Features of the Top Gun Experience

Launch Date: Summer 2028
Location: The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, Las Vegas Strip
Developer: Paramount Global and Advent Allen Entertainment
Experiences:

• High-speed fighter jet flight simulators
• Immersive motion-based thrill rides
• Themed Hard Deck bar & restaurant with live entertainment
• Multi-sensory design combining sound, light, and movement
• Exclusive Top Gun merchandise and memorabilia

This major development is expected to significantly boost tourism traffic to the northern end of the Strip, driving footfall and offering an unparalleled attraction to families, film lovers, thrill seekers, and international tourists.

Strategic Vision: How the Experience Aligns with the Evolution of Las Vegas Tourism

The Top Gun Experience arrives at a pivotal moment in Las Vegas tourism strategy, which has evolved from gaming and live shows to a model driven by multi-dimensional experiences. Recent openings and announcements—including Netflix’s immersive dining experience at MGM Grand and ARTE Museum’s debut in Las Vegas—signal that visitors are seeking interactive, personalized, and emotionally engaging content.

According to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the city welcomed over 38.8 million visitors in 2024, with non-gaming entertainment making up a growing share of tourist spend. Attractions based on recognizable franchises create immediate brand resonance and emotional connection—exactly what Top Gun delivers.

As one of cinema’s most beloved and enduring properties, Top Gun brings with it decades of fan loyalty, pop culture clout, and cross-generational appeal. For Las Vegas, the decision to anchor this experience at The STRAT represents an investment in transforming the north Strip into a new epicenter of immersive entertainment.

A Look at the Creative Forces Behind the Project

Advent Allen Entertainment, co-founded by entertainment visionary Mark Advent, is no stranger to high-concept destination experiences. Advent is the creative mind behind the original New York-New York Hotel & Casino, which helped launch Las Vegas into its era of theme-resort development. With Paramount Global providing the content and cinematic storytelling framework, the collaboration promises to deliver an experience that’s not only thrilling but authentically rooted in the emotional themes of the Top Gun saga—teamwork, speed, courage, and excellence.

Pam Kaufman, President and CEO of International Markets and Consumer Products at Paramount, has emphasized the company’s commitment to immersive tourism, and the Top Gun venture is part of a broader push to translate Hollywood franchises into physical-world destinations.

Paramount’s recent moves in the tourism space include:

• Nickelodeon all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and Punta Cana
• An upcoming Nickelodeon resort in Orlando (2026)
• Expanding themed offerings through IP licensing with global partners

The Top Gun experience is a natural next step, bridging adult nostalgia with cutting-edge innovation.

Why It Matters: Economic and Experiential Impact

From a tourism and economic standpoint, the Top Gun attraction is expected to:

• Generate significant visitor traffic to the north Strip, a region undergoing revitalization
• Create hundreds of new jobs in operations, food & beverage, and entertainment
• Strengthen Las Vegas’ position as a global hub for next-generation themed attractions
• Encourage multi-day visitation, especially from out-of-state and international travelers
• Boost footfall at The STRAT, supporting surrounding retail, hotel, and F&B ecosystems

With Las Vegas facing stiff competition from destinations like Orlando, Dubai, and Singapore, where branded attractions are increasingly central to tourism strategies, the arrival of a Top Gun experience gives the city a powerful, globally recognizable draw rooted in American pop culture history.

The Future of Travel Experiences: IP-Driven, Emotionally Charged, and Cinematic

Themed entertainment is no longer limited to amusement parks. Today’s travelers want more than just passive observation—they crave personal immersion, where they can live the story. From walking through Hogwarts to stepping aboard the Starship Enterprise, immersive tourism is redefining how destinations attract and retain visitors.

The Top Gun Experience aligns with key tourism trends in 2025 and beyond:

• Emotional immersion: Connecting fans to stories they love
• Brand familiarity: Reducing friction in decision-making by offering known experiences
• Multi-sensory engagement: Using sound, motion, visuals, and interactivity to create lasting memories
• Family and multi-generational appeal: Catering to diverse age groups, from Top Gun’s original fans to younger audiences

According to the Global Association for the Attractions Industry, attractions based on intellectual properties see 28–40% higher visitation than original-concept attractions.

What Travelers Can Expect by 2028

• Fully themed interiors that replicate the feel of a Top Gun training academy
• A Hard Deck-inspired restaurant with fighter pilot memorabilia, interactive tables, and live piano sets
• High-speed simulators that recreate dogfight scenes from the films
• Behind-the-scenes features that share aviation trivia, film facts, and Top Gun history
• A souvenir and retail zone offering exclusive merchandise from both Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick

Conclusion: Las Vegas Reclaims Its Edge in Experiential Tourism

With the arrival of the Top Gun Experience at The STRAT, Las Vegas once again proves why it remains a pioneer in global tourism innovation. By merging Hollywood magic with immersive tech, this attraction is set to take the city’s experiential offerings to new altitudes—both literally and figuratively.

Whether you’re a thrill seeker, a movie buff, or simply someone chasing the next unforgettable vacation memory, Top Gun Las Vegas will deliver an experience that’s not just cinematic but deeply personal.

Las Vegas may be known for neon lights and roulette wheels, but come 2028, it will also be the only place where travelers can feel the need for speed—and live it.