Through the glass of a window, pedestrians make their way across a bridge on the Las Vegas Strip, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo)
Tourism in Las Vegas has taken a noticeable dip this summer. Resorts, hotels, and convention centres saw fewer guests in June compared to the same month last year. The city welcomed just under 3.1 million people, down 11 per cent from June 2024. International visitors fell by 13 per cent, while hotel occupancy dropped 15 per cent, according to official tourism data.
Canada and Mexico visitors decline
Mayor Shelley Berkley said travel from Canada, the city’s largest international market, slowed from a steady flow to a trickle. The same trend appeared in visits from Mexico. “We have a number of very high rollers that come in from Mexico that aren’t so keen on coming in right now,” Berkley said. She added that many travellers abroad share that hesitation.
‘Trump slump’ blamed for downturn
Union leader Ted Pappageorge called the slowdown the “Trump slump.” He said fewer people from Southern California, home to many Latino families, were visiting because of immigration crackdowns. “If you tell the rest of the world they’re not welcome, then they won’t come,” he explained.
National trend shows fewer travellers
Las Vegas isn’t alone in the struggle. A forecasting group that once predicted the U.S. would gain nearly nine per cent more international visitors in 2025 has now lowered its outlook to a 9.4 per cent drop. Canada, once the top source of U.S. visitors, is showing some of the steepest declines.
Airlines report steep passenger losses
Canadian airlines also reported significant drops in traffic to Las Vegas. Air Canada saw numbers fall 33 per cent in June compared to the year before. WestJet recorded a 31 per cent decline, while budget airline Flair saw a huge 62 per cent drop.
Travel agents said many Canadians are avoiding the U.S., pointing to politics and tariffs. Windsor agent Wendy Hart said many clients want to stay away after Trump suggested Canada could become the 51st state. “The tariffs are a big thing too,” Hart added. “They seem to be contributing to the rising cost of everything.”
Casinos adjust to changes
At the Circa Resort and Casino, owner Derek Stevens admitted that Canadian and Japanese visitors dropped. Still, he said gaming revenues remain strong, especially sports betting. Wealthy travellers continue to visit, while package deals attract budget-conscious guests. “It’s not as if the sky is falling,” Stevens said. “Vegas continues to reinvent itself as a destination worth visiting.”
Rising costs discourage tourists
Mayor Berkley said many tourists feel they’re paying more but getting less. Higher prices for food, attractions, and rooms make vacations less appealing. “People are feeling that they’re getting nickeled and dimed,” she said. Berkley urged local businesses to keep prices fair to bring back value for visitors.
Some attractions stay strong
Not all venues are struggling. The Pinball Museum still draws steady crowds. Manager Jim Arnold said the low entry costs and free parking keep visitors coming. “We’ve decided to ignore inflation and pretend it doesn’t exist,” he joked.
