Las Vegas is experiencing a notable decline in tourism, with numbers for 2025 showing a 6.5% drop compared to 2024.
This decline in visitors is accompanied by a downturn in both airport traffic and gaming revenue, with experts attributing the downturn to a mix of President Donald Trump’s economic policies and the rising costs associated with a holiday in Las Vegas.
Locals have taken to calling this trend ‘being nickel and dimed,’ highlighting the frustration over escalating prices.
The city now appears to be shifting its focus from appealing to the everyday traveler to catering primarily to high-end clientele.
Examples of exorbitant charges have gone viral, including a $26 bottle of water from a hotel minibar and a $60 fee at the Flamingo casino for early check-in, not to mention MGM Resorts charging $25 for dinnerware with room service.
Anthony Curtis, publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor website and newsletter, expressed concern for tourists who are approaching their breaking point.
Curtis remarked, “On the Strip people get taken for a ride… I’m tired of being treated like this. I’m tired of having to pay these ridiculous prices.”
He pointed out the prevalence of various fees, including charges for parking and unexpected resort fees added to room rates, which have contributed to mounting discontent among visitors.
According to Curtis, the post-Covid tourism boom, which saw a surge in visitors once restrictions lifted, is beginning to fade.
“After the pandemic, people came running into casinos, but that’s starting to fizzle out,” he noted.
Adding to the conundrum is the so-called ‘Trump slump,’ a term that refers to the uncertain economic climate resulting from President Trump’s tariffs, which could discourage families from spending on a Las Vegas vacation.
Additionally, tensions with Canadians over Trump’s annexation threats have led to a significant boycott, impacting visitor numbers from the north.
Traffic data support these observations; the Harry Reid International Airport reported an 8.7% decline in international arrivals in May compared to the previous year, while total passenger numbers fell by 3.9%.
For 2025, overall passenger traffic is down by 3.7% as per official figures, with Canadian travelers experiencing the steepest decline—Air Canada reported a staggering 21.7% drop in May alone.
Jared Fisher, the founder of Escape Adventures in Las Vegas, has also noticed a decrease in Canadian tourists, a demographic that usually comprises a substantial portion of his business.
Fisher lamented, “We’ve had Canadians cancel on us, which has been a bummer,” further drawing parallels to the slump experienced during the pandemic.
Once regarded as a destination for Americans from all walks of life, Las Vegas tourism has shifted dramatically.
A study from 2024 indicated that the median income of visitors to the Strip now stands at $93,000, suggesting a targeted appeal to affluent tourists.
Curtis noted that casinos seem to have abandoned the middle market, a decision he considers shortsighted in the long run.
As the decline in visitors raises concerns of a more profound crisis for the city, it remains to be seen if this trend will snowball.
Despite the complaints about pricing, many visitors still regard Las Vegas as a special destination.
While the resorts may be costly, they boast some of the world’s finest amenities and unmatched entertainment offerings.
This year, Las Vegas has seen performances from stars like Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson, and Lenny Kravitz, with Dolly Parton scheduled for six shows at the Colosseum in December.
Curtis has not dismissed the possibility of a broader crisis but believes that those at the helm of the Strip’s casinos are astute and will likely adjust their strategies in response to current market conditions.
He said, “When it’s bad for the casinos, it’s good for the customer,” suggesting that a recalibration may benefit visitors in the long run.
image source from：thetimes
