Visitors are down compared to last year.
The writing is on the wall: International tourism to the U.S. is on a downward spiral. Recent numbers show that tourist-dependent Las Vegas is feeling the squeeze after June saw 11.3% fewer visitors compared with last year. Canadians, traditionally some of its most loyal customers, have turned their backs. Inflation and rising costs are also driving away American visitors. However, there are some positive numbers. Casino gaming revenue in Clark County was up 3.5% in June, totaling nearly $1.16 billion.
Dwindling Tourists
In May, the World Travel and Tourism Council warned that the U.S. stands to lose $12 billion in international visitor spending this year. It would be the only economy among the 186 analyzed by the council to see such a decline in 2025. The council’s president, Julia Simpson, said this was a wake-up call for the country. “The world’s biggest Travel & Tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction, not because of a lack of demand, but because of a failure to act. While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign.”
Numbers from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority confirm these concerns.
In June 2024, nearly 3.5 million people visited Las Vegas; this year, the number is down to approximately 3.1 million. Passenger volume at Harry Reid International Airport also declined 6.3%, from 5 million to 4.7 million. Daily traffic on Interstate 15 at the Nevada-California border has plunged as well, suggesting fewer Californians are visiting the state.
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There are many possible reasons for the decline. In June, average temperatures in Las Vegas reach 100 F, which may not appeal to travelers. One major factor is the drop in Canadian visitors. President Trump’s comments about making Canada the 51st state, along with a series of tariff disputes, caused a rift between the two nations. After former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on Canadians not to spend their tourist dollars in the U.S., the industry saw a shift.
Across the country, a decline in international visitors is also linked to tougher immigration policies and heightened scrutiny at airports. Recently, the U.S. raised visa fees and added a refundable $250 integrity fee for travelers. These measures are likely to further impact tourism.
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Economists have also cautioned that the post-pandemic travel surge would not last indefinitely, and recent travel numbers in Las Vegas reflect this slowdown. Meanwhile, Americans must navigate higher costs due to inflation, leading to more discerning consumer decisions.
Workers Feel the Pinch
About 24% of Nevada’s workforce are immigrants, many of whom are concerned about new policies. Culinary Workers Union Local 226, representing 60,000 workers in Las Vegas and Reno from 178 countries, told The Guardian that members are increasingly nervous. Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge said immigration policies have a direct effect on tourism. “You have Canadians that have said, ‘We’re going to go elsewhere.’ Some of our best customers are Mexican tourists. But the biggest one is southern California and visitation is down because they’re nervous about raids, the tariffs, the economy riled up.”
Tips are also drying up in the city. Approximately 180,000 people in the metro area rely on tips. Tattoo artist Charlie Mungo told the Wall Street Journal he used to make $3,000 to $6,000 per month, including tips, with Canadians accounting for 30% of his clients. Now, he brings in $1,500 per month. With rising prices and fewer jobs, Las Vegas workers are feeling the impact.
It may be too dramatic to say Las Vegas is completely bereft of tourists—as some social media posts suggest—but the city is undoubtedly becoming less attractive in today’s climate. It does not help that a Vegas vacation now comes with soaring resort fees and other expenses, including $26 for a bottle of water and $60 for early check-in.
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