Las Vegas faces declining visitor numbers amid rising costs
- Las Vegas has seen a 12% decline in visitors in recent months, with about 3.1 million people visiting.
- Despite the drop in visitors, gaming revenue in Nevada has increased, indicating that those who do visit are spending more.
- Efforts are being made to enhance the affordability of the Las Vegas experience and counter the narrative that it is an overpriced destination.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, tourist numbers have shown a consistent decline, with a reported 12% drop compared to the previous year. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) indicated that approximately 3.1 million people visited the city in July 2025, reflecting ongoing challenges within the tourism sector. While convention attendance saw fluctuations—a 10% drop in June followed by a 10% increase in July—the longer-term outlook appears stable with strong bookings anticipated in the next 16 months. This downturn in visitor numbers comes despite the state's resilient gaming revenue, which increased by 4% year-over-year to $1.36 billion in July. The Las Vegas Strip contributed significantly to this revenue, showing a 5.6% gain from the previous year. The recent decline in visitors can be partly attributed to rising costs associated with leisure travel and gambling within the city. Many customers have voiced concerns about add-on fees, resulting in resorts and hotels introducing various promotions to attract visitors. For example, Resorts World has waived certain fees, while The Strat has promoted