Las Vegas tourism declines under Trump's tariffs and immigration crackdown
- Tourism in Las Vegas is experiencing a significant decline, with a 13% drop in international visitors and a 15% decrease in hotel occupancy.
- Many industry officials attribute this downturn to the Trump administration's policies, which have created a perception that international travelers may not be welcomed.
- To revitalize tourism, proposals for rebranding Las Vegas to appeal to international visitors and addressing concerns about affordability are being discussed.
In the summer of 2025, tourism in Las Vegas, USA, faced a significant downturn, mirroring a broader national trend. This decline was highlighted by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, which reported that international traveler numbers fell by 13% and hotel occupancy decreased by approximately 15% compared to the previous year. Officials attributed this slump partly to the tariffs and immigration policies enacted during Donald Trump's administration, which may have discouraged high rollers, especially from countries like Mexico, from visiting the city. The data indicated that travelers from Canada, which was the leading source of visitors to the United States, showed a noticeable decrease in interest in traveling to Las Vegas specifically. According to Air Canada, passenger numbers fell by 33% in June 2024. Travel agents noted that political sentiments and national pride were likely influencing this trend, as many Canadians expressed reluctance to visit the U.S. as a form of protest against Trump's statements about Canada. Resident perceptions of the city reflected the struggles in the tourism sector, with former Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak's responsive policies being criticized for their impact. It was reported that restrictive measures during the pandemic resulted in losses amounting to approximately $34 billion for the tourism-dependent economy, and mismanagement from leadership led to a failure to fully recover from the downturn. Moreover, the once-thriving demographic of Chinese tourists—who had been crucial for the tourism economy pre-pandemic—have not returned at the expected rate. Factors such as ongoing pandemic regulations and tense U.S.-China relations contributed to a decline in visitors from this key market. Casino executives noted significant changes in the broader competitive landscape of gambling due to the legalization of sports betting in nearly 40 states, therefore impacting Las Vegas's unique allure. The strip’s iconic resorts have shifted to a model where they are primarily leased from investment trusts, preventing them from adjusting pricing strategies to attract more visitors. As stakeholders call for a revitalization of tourism strategies, it’s clear that without addressing these various interconnected issues, Las Vegas may continue to struggle to reclaim its status as a premier travel destination.