Canadians Continue to Avoid Las Vegas Amid Ongoing Travel Boycott – Will the New Southwest Route Reverse the Trend?

Published on December 25, 2025

As the travel boycott between the U.S. and Canada continues to affect Las Vegas tourism, Canadians remain notably absent from the city’s visitor count. Despite the vibrant entertainment that Las Vegas offers, the number of Canadian tourists has seen a significant decline in recent months, and this trend is expected to persist in the coming months. According to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), Canadians are the largest source of international visitors to Las Vegas, making up about 3% of the city’s total visitors in 2024. However, with the ongoing political tensions and travel boycotts, these numbers are well below expectations.

As of the summer months in 2025, Canadian tourism to Las Vegas was down by 25%, according to LVCVA President and CEO, Steve Hill, in an interview with Pax News. Harry Reid International Airport, a key entry point for international travelers to Las Vegas, reported significant declines in traffic. WestJet, one of Canada’s major airlines, saw a staggering 33.2% year-over-year drop in passengers arriving at the airport, while Air Canada reported a 26.3% decline as of October 2025. The Canadian boycott, stemming from political statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, continues to cast a shadow over Las Vegas’ international tourism efforts.

The Impact of the Canadian Boycott on Las Vegas Tourism

The ongoing Canadian boycott is severely impacting Las Vegas’ tourism industry, which has long relied on visitors from Canada to fill its hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues. Historically, Canadians have made up a substantial portion of Las Vegas’ international visitors, with more than 1.4 million Canadians visiting the city in 2024. However, the political fallout from Trump’s remarks—calling Canada a potential “51st U.S. state” and imposing tariffs on Canadian goods—has led to a gradual yet noticeable shift in Canadian travel behavior.

This boycott has not only been reflected in the air travel statistics but also in the local economy, with businesses dependent on Canadian visitors feeling the pinch. Las Vegas has seen empty hotel rooms, vacant casinos, and fewer tourists filling the streets. Although the city continues to thrive as a domestic travel destination, the drop in international tourists, especially Canadians, has proven challenging for the local economy.

Southwest Airlines’ New Route: A Ray of Hope for Las Vegas Tourism?

Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for Las Vegas, with Southwest Airlines launching a new route that will connect Hilo, Hawaii, to Harry Reid International Airport starting in summer 2026. This new route is part of the airline’s broader strategy to revitalize Las Vegas tourism and attract new visitors. The Southwest Airlines route has generated some excitement, with hopes that it will bring more visitors to Las Vegas and compensate for the downturn in Canadian arrivals.

However, questions remain about whether this new route will be enough to offset the effects of the ongoing Canadian boycott. While the Hawaiian market is strong and the new route offers a direct connection, the challenge remains in ensuring that it draws significant numbers of tourists from Hawaii and other regions, particularly as Las Vegas attempts to recover from the lack of international visitors.

Many are hopeful that the new route will introduce fresh opportunities for the tourism sector, but its success will depend on whether it attracts new demographics and compensates for the lost Canadian travelers. Las Vegas tourism experts will be closely monitoring the impact of this new route, along with any potential easing of the Canadian travel boycott.

Is There a Path Forward for Las Vegas Tourism?

Looking ahead, Las Vegas tourism faces a long road to recovery, particularly with the Canadian boycott showing no signs of abating. For the city to regain its international appeal, it must find new ways to attract tourists from diverse markets while continuing to build on its reputation as a premier domestic destination. The Hawaiian route could be a step in the right direction, but Las Vegas needs a comprehensive strategy to diversify its international travel base.

The decline in Canadian tourism is not just a short-term issue but part of a broader challenge facing Las Vegas as it grapples with changing travel patterns. The city must look beyond the traditional Canadian market and work on attracting visitors from regions like Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where interest in U.S. destinations is growing. Additionally, Las Vegas will need to address the concerns of international travelers regarding travel restrictions, visa regulations, and political issues that may be contributing to the decline.

Can the City Overcome the Challenges?

For now, the immediate future of Las Vegas tourism remains uncertain, but efforts like Southwest Airlines’ new route to Hilo are a positive start. As Canadian visitors continue to stay away, the city must remain agile and adaptable in its approach to attracting tourists. It will require collaboration with international airlines, the local government, and tourism bodies to ensure that Las Vegas remains a top destination, even in the face of shifting geopolitical landscapes.

As Las Vegas looks to recover, the city must continue innovating to ensure that it is more than just a place to gamble—but a dynamic travel destination that draws visitors from all over the globe. While the road ahead may be challenging, Las Vegas is known for its ability to reinvent itself, and with the right strategies, the city may soon be able to bounce back and reclaim its place as a global tourist hotspot.