Las Vegas Tourism Drops Amid Trump Tariffs and Crackdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Las Vegas is experiencing a sharp drop in tourism, with international visits down significantly this summer. Officials blame Trump-era tariffs and immigration policies for deterring travelers, especially from Canada and Mexico. Rising costs and fears about U.S. politics are further driving visitors away.
Las Vegas Tourism Trends Quick Looks
- June 2025 saw 11% fewer visitors to Las Vegas compared to 2024.
- International travel fell 13%, with steep drops from Canada and Mexico.
- Mayor Shelley Berkley says Canadian and Mexican tourists are staying away.
- Union leaders call it the “Trump slump,” citing fears tied to immigration policy.
- Southern California visits also fell, impacting Latino-heavy regions.
- Canadian airlines saw declines: Flair down 62%, Air Canada down 33%, WestJet down 31%.
- Tariffs and political rhetoric blamed for rising travel costs and negative sentiment.
- Circa Resort reports drop in international bookings, but sports betting remains strong.
- Vegas slips to #10 on AAA’s Labor Day destinations list, down from #6.
- Pinball Museum sees steady crowds, offering free entry and low-cost fun.
- Tourists say Vegas feels busy but complain of high costs at top resorts.
- Mayor urges businesses to lower prices and bring back budget-conscious travelers.
Deep Look: Las Vegas Tourism Falters as Tariffs, Politics and Prices Turn Travelers Away
LAS VEGAS — Known globally for its glitz, casinos, and 24/7 entertainment, Las Vegas is grappling with a downturn in tourism this summer. Industry leaders, politicians, and hospitality professionals are pointing to a combination of Trump administration tariffs, immigration crackdowns, and rising costs as key reasons for the decline.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported that the city drew just under 3.1 million tourists in June, a sharp 11% decline from the same month in 2024. International arrivals dropped 13%, and hotel occupancy fell 15%, underscoring a troubling trend for one of America’s most iconic travel destinations.
International Travelers Staying Home
Mayor Shelley Berkley didn’t mince words in her recent remarks, blaming much of the downturn on diplomatic and political tensions.
“Our tourism from Canada — typically our largest international source — has slowed from a flood to a drip,” Berkley said. Mexican tourists, particularly high-spending visitors, are also backing off, she added, due to discomfort with the current immigration climate.
Ted Pappageorge, leader of the powerful Culinary Workers Union, echoed that sentiment, calling the decline part of the “Trump slump.” He said communities in Southern California, many with large Latino populations, are choosing not to travel due to fear of immigration enforcement.
“If you tell the rest of the world they’re not welcome, then they won’t come,” said Pappageorge.
Canadian Flights Plummet
Data from Canadian airlines shows a staggering reduction in passenger volume into Las Vegas:
- Flair Airlines: down 62%
- Air Canada: down 33%
- WestJet: down 31%
Canadian travel agents confirm that their clients are reconsidering U.S. travel altogether. Wendy Hart, who books trips out of Windsor, Ontario, cited both political disapproval and rising prices.
“Politics, for sure,” she said. “There’s a sense of national pride. After Trump said he wanted to make Canada the 51st state, a lot of people lost interest.”
Rising Costs Also a Factor
While Trump-era policies are seen as a deterrent, soaring costs across Vegas are further compounding the problem.
“People feel nickeled and dimed,” said Mayor Berkley. “Food, rooms, entertainment — the price of everything has gone up. We need to make it more affordable.”
At Circa Resort and Casino, owner Derek Stevens reported fewer international guests, particularly from Canada and Japan. However, he notes that the drop comes after a post-COVID tourism surge. Despite sluggish room bookings, sports betting and gaming revenue remain strong, he said.
“It’s not the end of the world,” Stevens added. “Vegas knows how to adapt. We’ve introduced cheaper packages to keep attracting value-focused visitors.”
AAA Ranking Drops
Adding to the concern, Las Vegas fell to the #10 spot on AAA’s list of top Labor Day destinations, dropping from #6 in 2024. Seattle and Orlando remained in the top two spots, with New York City climbing to third.
On the Ground: Mixed Experiences
Not everyone sees signs of a slump. Irish tourist Alison Ferry, visiting from Donegal, said she found casinos and attractions full during her trip.
“It’s very busy,” she said. “Everywhere we’ve gone, there’ve been crowds. And it’s hot — really hot.” Ferry noted that U.S. politics didn’t influence her travel decision.
Meanwhile, some off-strip attractions are doing just fine. The Las Vegas Pinball Museum, offering free entry and 25-cent arcade games, continues to draw steady foot traffic.
“We ignore inflation,” said manager Jim Arnold. “No resort fees, no hidden charges — just fun. That keeps people coming back.”
Arnold acknowledged that the rising cost of Vegas vacations is likely driving away budget-conscious travelers, especially as high-end dining and lodging prices continue to rise.
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