Las Vegas is experiencing a notable downturn in tourism this summer, with resorts and convention centers reporting a significant drop in visitors compared to last year, particularly from international markets.
In June, the city that thrives on its extravagant entertainment and gaming attracted just under 3.1 million tourists, marking an 11 percent decrease from the same month in 2024.
The decline in international travelers reached 13 percent, while hotel occupancy also fell approximately 15 percent, as indicated by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Mayor Shelley Berkley observed that tourism from Canada, the state’s largest international market, has waned dramatically, shifting from a steady influx to a mere trickle.
She noted that many high rollers from Mexico are becoming hesitant about traveling to Las Vegas, mirroring a broader trend of international reluctance.
“We have a number of very high rollers that come in from Mexico that aren’t so keen on coming in right now. And that seems to be the prevailing attitude internationally,” Berkley stated during a recent press briefing.
The Culinary Workers Union Local 226, led by Ted Pappageorge, has dubbed the phenomenon the “Trump slump,” suggesting that fears surrounding the Trump administration’s immigration policies and tariffs are impacting travel decisions.
Pappageorge remarked, “If you tell the rest of the world they’re not welcome, then they won’t come,” emphasizing that this fear extends to potential visitors from Southern California, home to a sizable Latino population.
Brendan Bussmann, a gaming industry consultant, noted that during recent quarterly earnings calls, Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International downplayed the decrease in their Las Vegas resorts by highlighting increased revenue from other domestic casino operations.
Caesars President and CEO Anthony Carano acknowledged that their eight Strip resorts yielded solid results despite softer market demand in hospitality during the April to June timeframe.
Bussmann suggested that the fluctuating nature of gaming revenue in Las Vegas could persist, particularly with major sporting events like the Super Bowl and NCAA Basketball’s Final Four rotating their venues annually.
However, he remains optimistic about the future, stating, “Las Vegas continues to evolve to attract new and repeat customers and nothing says that is going to stop.”
Data concerning Canadian airlines reflects a decrease in passenger traffic from Canada to Harry Reid International Airport, indicating a decline in both Air Canada (33 percent) and WestJet (31 percent) travelers in June compared to the previous year, while Flair air saw a staggering 62 percent drop.
Despite these figures, Bussmann highlighted that domestic air travel at Reid Airport has been in a slump since last August, primarily affecting airlines like Spirit and Southwest.
Travel agents in Canada have noted a marked decline in interest among clients looking to visit the U.S., particularly Las Vegas. Wendy Hart, who organizes trips from Windsor, Ontario, attributed this trend to political factors, suggesting a sense of national pride contributes to Canadians’ choice to avoid the U.S.
“The tariffs are a big thing too. They seem to be contributing to the rising cost of everything,” Hart stated, underscoring the financial concerns that might be deterring potential visitors.
Derek Stevens, owner and CEO of downtown’s Circa Resort and Casino, noted a decrease in international visits, particularly from Canada and Japan, although he acknowledged this downturn followed a post-COVID spike.
While hotel room bookings may be slowing, Stevens indicated that gaming numbers, particularly in sports betting, remain robust.
“It’s not as if the sky is falling,” he said, adding that Circa has introduced affordable package deals to attract budget-conscious visitors.
Many analysts have continued to express skepticism regarding the narratives that highlight a tourism crisis in Las Vegas. Stevens reflected on this sentiment, stating, “There have been many stories written about how the ‘end is near’ in Vegas. But Vegas continues to reinvent itself as a destination worth visiting.”
In the recent AAA annual ranking of Labor Day destinations, Las Vegas fell to the last position on the list, a drop from its sixth place standing in 2024. Seattle and Orlando topped the list once again, with New York City rising to the third spot in 2025.
On the ground in Las Vegas, travelers have a different experience of the city. Alison Ferry, visiting from Donegal, Ireland, mentioned that she encountered bustling crowds at the casinos and throughout the Strip, countering the reports of dwindling tourism.
“It’s very busy. It has been busy everywhere that we’ve gone. And really, really hot,” she expressed, noting that her attention was focused elsewhere, rather than on U.S. politics.
Meanwhile, at the Pinball Museum, situated just off the Strip, manager Jim Arnold reported that attendance has remained steady, owing to its unique appeal. He highlighted the venue’s two-decade history of offering free parking and admission as key advantages during these challenging times.
“We’ve decided that our plan is just to ignore inflation and pretend it doesn’t exist,” Arnold joked, referring to the museum’s continued pricing structure.
However, he acknowledged the potential of declining tourism due to rising prices at upscale restaurants and hotels, which can deter visitors from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Mayor Berkley emphasized the need for local businesses to reevaluate their pricing strategies to create a more welcoming environment for tourists.
“People are feeling that they’re getting nickel-and-dimed, and they’re not getting value for their dollar,” she commented.
Berkley called upon business owners to explore options that could make visits to Las Vegas more affordable, ultimately hoping to encourage visitors to enjoy their time, spend money, and return again in the future.
“And that’s all we want. We want them to come and have a good time, spend their money, go home,” she added, expressing optimism for the future of tourism in Las Vegas.
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