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Las Vegas

Las Vegas Tourism Plunges 11%: High Prices and Heat Empty the Strip

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Las Vegas, the city known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling tourist attractions, is now facing a significant challenge. Major tourist spots across Las Vegas are reporting an 11% drop in visitors compared to the same time last year, raising concerns for the hospitality and entertainment industries.

Local businesses and residents point to two major factors behind this decline—soaring costs and the intense summer heat that has gripped the city. For a destination built on entertainment, dining, and outdoor attractions, these issues are taking a noticeable toll.

Story Highlights

  • 11% decline in Las Vegas tourism compared to last year.

  • High prices and extreme heat cited as main reasons.

  • Business owners in food and hospitality industries deeply concerned.

  • Fremont Street and the Strip reportedly quieter than usual.

Locals Notice the Change

For many locals, the change is hard to ignore. Kyle McCurdy, a Las Vegas resident and frequent skateboarder, says the difference in crowd levels is striking.

“We skate Fremont on the regular, and the last few weeks have literally been so quiet, it’s beyond comprehension,” McCurdy explained.

He expressed concern about what this means for those who depend on steady foot traffic.

“I’d be very concerned if I was someone out here for my regular job,” he added, pointing out that the emptiness could threaten livelihoods across the city.

Impact on Local Businesses

The decline in tourism isn’t just a number—it’s a reality hitting the heart of local businesses. Restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues that rely heavily on tourist spending are feeling the pinch.

One restaurant manager, located just off Fremont Street, spoke candidly about the issue but asked to remain anonymous.

“There’s a decline, especially in our industry,” she said. “There’s a decline in customers because eating out right now, unfortunately, is a luxury for a lot of people.”

According to her, the problem runs deeper than just seasonal changes. With higher living costs and rising menu prices, dining out has become less accessible for both locals and travelers.

She went on to describe a scene that would shock many who picture Las Vegas as a city that never sleeps.

“The strip feels like a ghost town on Saturday nights,” she said, adding that most of her customers are usually visitors, not locals.

A Troubling Trend for the Tourism Hub

Las Vegas thrives on tourism. Hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues depend on consistent visitor numbers to maintain their operations. An 11% drop in tourism is not just a statistic—it represents millions in lost revenue for businesses and workers who rely on tips and tourist spending.

If this trend continues, the hospitality sector could face more than just a temporary dip. Experts warn that prolonged decreases in visitor numbers might force businesses to cut back on staff or reduce services, further impacting the city’s economy.

As summer temperatures continue to soar and costs remain high, the question remains: Can Las Vegas bring back its crowds before the damage becomes permanent?

The sharp decline in Las Vegas tourism highlights the growing challenges faced by a city built on entertainment and hospitality. With visitor numbers down by 11%, rising costs and relentless summer heat have created a perfect storm for businesses that depend on tourist spending. For locals like Kyle McCurdy, the empty streets are a sign of deeper concerns, while restaurant owners worry about survival in an economy where dining out is becoming a luxury. Unless strategies are put in place to attract visitors back, Las Vegas risks losing the vibrant energy that defines its identity.

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Las Vegas Tourism Hit as Canadian Visitors Pull Back Over Tariff Tensions

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The glittering lights of Las Vegas continue to draw millions of visitors each year, but recent data suggests the city is now facing a downturn in one of its most reliable international markets — Canadian tourists. The decline is being linked to trade tensions and tariff disputes between the United States and Canada, creating ripples in an industry that has long depended on cross-border travel.

Story Highlights

  • Canadian tourist numbers fall as U.S.-Canada tariff tensions rise

  • Flights from Canada to Las Vegas cut by more than 18% year-over-year

  • LVCVA CEO Steve Hill pledges trade mission and Toronto event sponsorship

  • Online travel agents projected to add 1 million hotel room nights this summer

  • Overall Las Vegas visitor numbers slump 7% compared to last year

Before the pandemic, international visitors made up around 20% of all Las Vegas arrivals, with Canada consistently leading that group. However, new figures from Harry Reid International Airport show that inbound seats on flights from Canada have dropped by more than 18% compared with last year, signaling a sharp decline in Canadian travelers.

For some, the allure of Las Vegas remains strong despite the trade friction. Julia Chasson, a Canadian tourist who traveled to the city in March, explained her perspective.

“I love coming to the states,” she said. “Obviously there’s a lot of fun stuff to do that we don’t get to do in Canada.”

Chasson noted that, despite the tariff dispute, she and her companion chose to keep their plans to see the Grateful Dead. Their decision reflects both the pull of Las Vegas’s unique entertainment scene and the challenges of discouraging loyal visitors.

City leaders, however, are well aware of the broader impact. Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), acknowledged the difficulties created by what he called “national overtones.”

“That’s a long-term relationship,” Hill said, referring to Canadian tourists. “And we’re going to figure that out.”

In an effort to maintain that relationship, Hill announced plans for a trade mission to Canada. The LVCVA will also sponsor an event in Toronto as part of a strategy to reconnect with Canadian travelers and travel agencies.

At the same time, Las Vegas is leaning more heavily on digital promotion. Partnerships with online travel agents are expected to generate about one million room nights through the summer, providing a boost at a time of reduced international travel.

Hill has also pointed to Las Vegas’s enduring appeal, highlighting its value and expansive entertainment calendar.

“We’ve got a great entertainment lineup through the summer and into the fall,” he said, stressing that visitors continue to have reasons to return to the city.

Despite a 7% year-to-year slump in total visitor numbers, Hill remains cautiously optimistic.

“We’ve had crises, and we have recovered from crises, and this is just not that,” he explained. “It is a downturn.”

City officials are betting on a rebound as conventions, major sporting events, and high-profile entertainment draw near in the months ahead. For Hill, the expectation is that as cooler weather arrives, so too will Canadian visitors — a reminder of the long-standing relationship between Las Vegas and its northern neighbors.

While the tariff dispute has clearly impacted Canadian travel patterns, Las Vegas officials are confident that the city’s blend of entertainment, hospitality, and value will help restore momentum. The decline marks a temporary setback rather than a long-term shift, industry leaders argue. As trade talks evolve and the city prepares for a packed calendar of conventions and events, Las Vegas is betting that its strong appeal will once again draw Canadian visitors back to the Strip.

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