Photo of Guido Coppa in Unsplash
Summer brought discouraging numbers for Las Vegas. According to the Convention and Visitors Authority, the city welcomed just under 3.1 million tourists in June, representing a 111% drop in Q3 compared to 2024. International travelers decreased by 131% in Q3, and hotel occupancy fell by around 151% in Q3.
Canada and Mexico: from torrent to trickle
Mayor Shelley Berkeley acknowledged that Canadian tourism, historically the strongest in Nevada, has declined dramatically. Mexico is also no exception to the trend.
"We have a number of high-rollers who used to come from Mexico and are now not showing the same interest. And that seems to be the prevailing attitude internationally," Berkley said.
Ted Pappageorge, leader of the Culinary Workers Union, was more direct: he called the situation “Trump’s slump,” attributing the decline to immigration policies and a hostile environment toward foreign visitors.
“If you tell the rest of the world they're not welcome, then they won't come,” he said.
Flights to Las Vegas
Statistics support the perception of Las Vegas business owners. Air Canada carried 33% fewer passengers to Las Vegas in June, WestJet fell 31%, and low-cost airline Flair suffered a 62% plunge.
In Canada, travel agents say many clients are avoiding the United States for political and economic reasons. Wendy Hart of Ontario summed it up this way: “It’s a point of national pride to stay away after Trump suggested Canada should be the 51st state.”
Beyond politics, prices also play a crucial role. Hotels, restaurants, and shows are seeing price increases that affect lower-budget visitors.
“People feel like they're being charged for everything and not getting value for their money,” lamented Mayor Berkeley, who called on businesses to make the destination “more affordable.”
Not all is bad news
Despite the decline, some sectors are showing strength. Derek Stevens, owner of the Circa Resort and Casino, noted that sports betting remains strong and that wealthier visitors are still traveling to Las Vegas. “It’s not like the sky is falling,” he said.
Alternative attractions, such as the Pinball Museum, continue to draw crowds thanks to their affordable prices and nostalgic charm.
However, on AAA's annual list of preferred Labor Day destinations, Las Vegas dropped from sixth to tenth place. Cities like Seattle, Orlando, and New York surpassed the entertainment mecca in 2025.
While the data shows a decline, some visitors perceive a different reality. Alison Ferry, an Irish tourist, said she found casinos and streets packed: "It's very busy everywhere we've been."
Reinvent yourself or lose your shine
With the numbers in hand, Las Vegas faces a challenge: balancing costs, regaining the confidence of international travelers, and maintaining its image as an irresistible destination.
The city that never sleeps has already demonstrated its ability to reinvent itself in the past, but the challenge now seems a little greater.
For more stories like this, follow More Latin.
Sources:
English 
Spanish