Las Vegas Tourism Takes a Hit in 2025, Down 6.5% Amid Economic and Global Challenges

*Las Vegas, NV – July 20, 2025* – The neon lights of Las Vegas are shining a bit dimmer this year as the city grapples with a significant decline in tourism, a cornerstone of its economy. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), visitor numbers have dropped by 6.5% through May 2025, with nearly 1 million fewer travelers compared to the same period in 2024, when the city welcomed 41.7 million visitors. This downturn has sparked concern among local businesses and officials, who are scrambling to reverse the trend.

The numbers paint a stark picture. February saw a 12% drop in visitors compared to 2024, followed by a 7.8% decline in March, 5.1% in April, and 6.5% in May, with just 3.41 million visitors recorded. Hotel occupancy has slipped to 85.5% from 88.6% last year, with room nights occupied down 6.1% in March and 5.5% in May. Average nightly hotel rates have also fallen by 5.5%, reflecting weaker demand exacerbated by the closure of iconic properties like The Mirage and Tropicana, which reduced available rooms.

Harry Reid International Airport has felt the pinch, with passenger traffic down 3.6% to 3.9% year-to-date. International visitors, who accounted for 12% of Las Vegas' tourism in 2024, have plummeted, with a 19.6% drop in February and 8.9% in May. Canadian and Mexican travelers, key markets for the city, have significantly decreased, with airlines like Flair reporting a 55% drop in Canadian passengers and AeroMexico noting a 63% decline from January to February.

Gaming, a lifeblood of the Strip, is also suffering. Revenue on the Las Vegas Strip fell 4.8% in March and 3.9% in May compared to 2024, while Downtown Las Vegas saw a nearly 13% drop in March. "The numbers are tough," said local casino manager Maria Gonzalez. "We're seeing fewer high rollers, especially from abroad, and the domestic crowd isn't spending like they used to."

Several factors are driving the decline. Economic uncertainty, fueled by rising costs and new federal policies under President Donald Trump, including trade tariffs, has dampened consumer confidence, with the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index dropping in June 2025. International tensions, particularly Trump's rhetoric about Canada, have deterred Canadian visitors, with some opting for destinations like Vancouver or Cancun. "I used to come to Vegas every year, but it's gotten too expensive, and the vibe feels off," said Toronto resident Mark Leung, reflecting sentiments echoed on social media platforms like X.

The absence of major events like the 2024 Super Bowl, which drew massive crowds to Las Vegas, has also hurt. Geopolitical issues, including strained U.S.-China relations and conflict in Israel, have further reduced visitors from those regions. Some travelers are also bypassing Las Vegas for more cost-effective destinations like Mexico or Europe, citing high prices for hotels, dining, and entertainment.

Despite the downturn, convention attendance offers a glimmer of hope, rising 10% in March and 10.7% in May, driven by events like a major healthcare conference. This has bolstered midweek hotel occupancy to 79.3% in May. To combat the slump, the LVCVA is boosting its advertising budget by $37 million for fiscal year 2026, targeting domestic travelers. Resorts like Resorts World Las Vegas are offering free parking, and new legislation, SB459, aims to expand gaming options with private salons and lower betting limits to attract a broader audience.

Local voices on X highlight the urgency. One user posted, "Vegas is pricing itself out. Hotels, food, shows-it's not the deal it used to be." Another noted a 30-50% drop in interest from Canadian and European markets, aligning with LVCVA data. As Las Vegas navigates these challenges, the city is banking on innovative marketing and new attractions to lure visitors back to the Entertainment Capital of the World.

For updates on Las Vegas tourism, visit http://www.lvcva.com.

*Sources: LVCVA, Harry Reid International Airport, X posts*