Tourism in Las Vegas has declined by 11% this summer, with international visitors taking a hit, particularly from Canada and Mexico. The decline is attributed to the Trump administration’s tariffs and immigration policies, which have led to a decrease in tourists from abroad.
According to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, hotel occupancy fell by about 15%, and there were 13% fewer international travelers. Mayor Shelley Berkley has noted that tourism from Canada has dried up, with Mexicans also showing less interest in visiting the city.
Ted Pappageorge, head of the Culinary Workers Union, describes this decline as a “Trump slump,” citing fear among Southern Californians who are affected by the administration’s immigration crackdown. He suggests that if international visitors feel unwelcome, they won’t come to the US.
The Las Vegas dip mirrors a national trend, with Tourism Economics predicting a 9.4% drop in international arrivals this year. Some of the steepest declines could be from Canada, where airline data shows a 33% decrease in passengers from north of the border.
Travel agents in Canada have reported a significant downturn in clients wanting to visit the US overall, with Las Vegas being particularly unpopular. They attribute the decline to politics and rising tariffs, which contribute to increased costs for tourists.
However, not all businesses are experiencing a slowdown. The Pinball Museum remains recession-proof due to its affordable admission fees and free parking. Owner Derek Stevens notes that while international visits have dipped, gaming numbers remain strong, especially in sports betting.
As the tourism industry continues to navigate these changes, officials are urging business owners to make their destinations more affordable for visitors. Mayor Berkley wants tourists to come and have a good time, with the aim of bringing them back six months later.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/las-vegas-nevada-tourism-fbcb23cacef7c54f4ecaac0a43ba0703