Las Vegas Tourism Declines 11% Amid Tariffs, Immigration Concerns

Las Vegas tourism has declined significantly this summer, with June visitor numbers dropping by 11% compared to 2024, and international arrivals down by 13%, leading to a 15% decrease in hotel occupancy. Officials, including Mayor Shelley Berkley, have noted a sharp fall in tourists from Canada and Mexico, key international markets, with some high rollers from Mexico hesitant to visit. Ted Pappageorge, leader of the Culinary Workers Union, termed the downturn the "Trump slump," attributing it to fears around President Trump's immigration policies, which have also impacted visitors from Southern California. Canadian airline data corroborates the drop, showing passenger declines up to 62% among some carriers, and Canadian travel agents have linked the reduction in U.S. travel to political reasons and a sense of national pride in staying away. While some blame President Trump's tariffs and immigration policies for the tourism slump, others argue that local factors like high prices at resorts and casinos also contribute to the decline. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority acknowledges the impact of international relations on tourism but faces criticism that some challenges are self-inflicted.