Las Vegas Tourism Slumps Amid Trump Administration's Policies

Strategic Insights -

The city of Las Vegas, known for its extravagant shows and endless buffets, has seen a significant decline in tourism this summer, with resorts and convention centers reporting lower visitor numbers compared to last year. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported that the city welcomed just under 3.1 million tourists in June, an 11% drop compared to the same time in 2024. International travelers have been particularly scarce, with 13% fewer visitors from abroad and a 15% decline in hotel occupancy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported an 11% drop in tourism in June compared to the same time in 2024, with 3.1 million visitors.
  • International travelers fell by 13%, with hotel occupancy decreasing by 15%.
  • Canadian tourism has "dried up from a torrent to a drip," according to Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley.
  • Mexican tourism has also declined, with high rollers from Mexico showing a diminished interest in visiting Las Vegas.
  • The Culinary Workers Union has dubbed the decline in tourism the "Trump slump."
  • Air Canada passenger numbers fell by 33% in June, while WestJet had a 31% drop, with low-cost carrier Flair reporting a 62% decline.
  • Travel agents in Canada report a significant downturn in clients wanting to visit the U.S. overall and Las Vegas in particular.
  • Weaker economies like Windsor, Ontario, are also experiencing a decline in U.S. tourism, with travel agent Wendy Hart citing "politics, for sure" as the reason.
  • Downtown's Circa Resort and Casino has reported a decline in international visits, especially from Canada and Japan.
  • However, gaming numbers, particularly for sports betting, remain strong.
  • Wealthier visitors are still coming to the city, and Circa has introduced cheaper package deals to attract wealthier visitors.

Statistics:

  • 11% decline in Las Vegas tourism in June compared to the same time in 2024 (Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority)
  • 13% fewer international travelers in June (Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority)
  • 15% decline in hotel occupancy in June (Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority)
  • 33% drop in Air Canada passenger numbers in June (Air Canada)
  • 31% drop in WestJet passenger numbers in June (WestJet)
  • 62% decline in low-cost carrier Flair passenger numbers in June (Flair)

Sources:

  • "Las Vegas Slumps in Summer Tourism" (The Associated Press)
  • Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority ( statistics on tourism and visitor numbers)
  • Air Canada ( statistics on passenger numbers)
  • WestJet ( statistics on passenger numbers)
  • Flair ( statistics on passenger numbers)
  • Circa Resort and Casino (owner and CEO Derek Stevens)