LAS VEGAS — This summer, Las Vegas is experiencing a notable decline in tourism, with resorts and convention centers reporting fewer visitors than last year. The decrease is particularly pronounced among international travelers, prompting some officials to attribute the downturn to the Trump administration's tariffs and immigration policies.

In June, Las Vegas welcomed just under 3.1 million tourists, marking an 11% drop compared to the same month in 2024. International visitor numbers fell by 13%, and hotel occupancy rates decreased by approximately 15%, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Mayor Shelley Berkley noted that tourism from Canada, which is Nevada's largest international market, has significantly declined. She described the situation as a shift from a torrent of visitors to a mere drip. "We have a number of very high rollers that come in from Mexico that aren’t so keen on coming in right now. And that seems to be the prevailing attitude internationally," Berkley said.

Ted Pappageorge, head of the Culinary Workers Union, referred to the situation as the "Trump slump." He indicated that visits from Southern California, which has a large Latino population, are also decreasing due to fears surrounding immigration policies. "If you tell the rest of the world they’re not welcome, then they won’t come," Pappageorge stated.

Data from Canadian airlines supports these claims, showing a significant drop in passengers traveling to Las Vegas. Air Canada reported a 33% decrease in June compared to the previous year, while WestJet saw a 31% decline. The low-cost airline Flair experienced a staggering 62% drop in passenger numbers. Travel agents in Canada have noted a marked decrease in clients interested in visiting the U.S., particularly Las Vegas. Wendy Hart, a travel agent from Windsor, Ontario, attributed this trend to "politics, for sure," suggesting that a sense of national pride may be influencing Canadians to avoid the U.S. after President Trump suggested making Canada the 51st state. She added, "The tariffs are a big thing too. They seem to be contributing to the rising cost of everything."

At Circa Resort and Casino, owner Derek Stevens reported a decline in international visits, especially from Canada and Japan. However, he noted that this downturn follows a post-COVID spike in tourism. While hotel bookings are down, gaming activity, particularly in sports betting, remains strong. "It’s not as if the sky is falling," Stevens said, adding that wealthier visitors continue to come. Circa has introduced more affordable package deals to attract budget-conscious travelers. "There have been many stories written about how the ‘end is near’ in Vegas. But Vegas continues to reinvent itself as a destination worth visiting," he said.

Las Vegas has also slipped in AAA’s annual list of top Labor Day destinations, falling to the last position from sixth place in 2024. Seattle and Orlando, Florida, remain the top two destinations, with New York City moving up to third for 2025.

Despite the reported decline, some visitors, like Alison Ferry from Donegal, Ireland, found the city bustling. "It’s very busy. It has been busy everywhere that we’ve gone. And really, really hot," she said, noting that she does not closely follow U.S. politics.

At the Pinball Museum, located just off the Strip, manager Jim Arnold reported no slowdown in attendance. He described the attraction as recession-proof due to its free parking and admission. "We’ve decided that our plan is just to ignore inflation and pretend it doesn’t exist," Arnold said. He acknowledged, however, that rising prices at upscale restaurants and resorts could deter lower-budget tourists.

Mayor Berkley emphasized that the increasing costs of food, hotel rooms, and attractions are contributing to the decline in visitors. "People are feeling that they’re getting nickeled and dimed, and they’re not getting value for their dollar," she said. Berkley urged business owners to consider making Las Vegas more affordable for tourists, stating, "We want them to come and have a good time, spend their money, go home, then come back in six months."