U.S. tourism is slipping in Las Vegas as resorts and convention centers report fewer guests than last year. Visitor arrivals are down across the board, with international travel showing the steepest drop. Officials say tariffs, immigration rules, and rising prices are keeping travelers away.
Las Vegas hosted just under 3.1 million tourists recently, an 11 percent decline compared to the same period before. International visits fell by 13 percent, and hotel occupancy dropped 15 percent. U.S. tourism from Canada, one of Nevada’s strongest sources of travelers, weakened significantly. Canadian airlines confirmed steep passenger losses on routes to Las Vegas, with some carriers reporting drops of more than 30 percent.
Mayor Shelley Berkley said Canadian and Mexican visitors are avoiding the city. She explained that high-spending travelers from Mexico now show little interest in returning. Canadian travel agents also report weaker demand for U.S. destinations overall. They blame both tariffs and political tensions for the slowdown. Many believe travelers are expressing national pride by skipping trips to the U.S.
Union leaders say the decline also extends to regional markets. Ted Pappageorge of the Culinary Workers Union argued that immigration crackdowns discourage Latino families from visiting. He called the trend a “Trump slump” and said it reflects broader concerns about U.S. tourism policies. He warned that when people feel unwelcome, they simply choose other destinations.
Still, not all indicators are negative. At Circa Resort and Casino, CEO Derek Stevens admitted international traffic has slowed but pointed to steady gaming revenues. Sports betting remains strong, and new package deals aim to attract budget travelers. He stressed that Las Vegas continues to reinvent itself, ensuring it stays competitive despite shifts in global travel.
Meanwhile, higher costs weigh on consumer choices. Visitors complain about expensive restaurants, higher hotel rates, and added resort fees. Mayor Berkley admitted that many tourists feel they are not getting value for money. She urged business leaders to create affordable options that restore visitor confidence in Las Vegas travel.
Some attractions, however, thrive regardless of economic shifts. The Pinball Museum continues to pull in steady crowds by offering free admission and low-cost games. Manager Jim Arnold said the museum succeeds because it avoids resort-style pricing. He argued this proves that affordable attractions can remain resilient even during downturns in U.S. tourism.
National travel rankings also reflect the trend. Las Vegas slipped from sixth to tenth place on AAA’s Labor Day list. Cities like Seattle, Orlando, and New York performed better. Even so, many international tourists still describe Las Vegas as busy and vibrant, with its casinos and Strip drawing large crowds.
Despite the downturn, U.S. tourism officials remain confident. They believe Las Vegas can bounce back with more competitive pricing and broader appeal. The city still thrives on entertainment, gaming, and nightlife. With careful adjustments, Las Vegas could soon welcome larger numbers of visitors once again.
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