Las Vegas and Nevada’s Tourism Forecast: Slower Growth, Steady Demand Through 2027

Published on December 3, 2025

Nevada’s tourism industry, fueled by its vibrant city of Las Vegas, is now moving into a new period of development featuring slower but sustained growth. According to the latest predictions from UNLV, the state’s tourist-based economy will keep performing well but will transition from rapid recovery to more modest expansion throughout the next years. The forecast comes after a string of historic events such as Super Bowl LVIII and the Las Vegas Grand Prix resulted in a jump in visitor spending.

Slower Growth on the Horizon for Nevada’s Tourism Industry

UNLV’s 2025 Economic Outlook, presented in Las Vegas on November 13, indicates that Nevada’s tourism sector will experience slower growth over the next few years, following a period of rapid post-pandemic recovery. Visitor volume to Nevada is expected to stabilize at around 50 to 51 million annually, with a slight decline forecasted for 2026 and 2027. Despite global economic uncertainty, inflation, and shifting domestic travel patterns, the state’s tourism sector is forecast to remain resilient due to Nevada’s strong global brand and the continued influx of major events.

In particular, Las Vegas is expected to continue drawing significant tourist traffic. The city’s status as one of the world’s most popular leisure destinations anchors the broader Southern Nevada tourism industry. Visitor numbers to Las Vegas are expected to rise slightly in 2026, before easing in 2027. Despite slower growth projections, the leisure and hospitality sector will continue to see job creation, though at a slower pace than the rapid recovery seen post-pandemic.

Impact of Global Economic Factors on Tourism Demand

One of the key factors influencing the slower growth forecast for Nevada’s tourism sector is global economic uncertainty. While a recession is not anticipated, economists expect consumers to become more cautious about discretionary travel spending. Factors such as inflation, shifting travel habits, and increased competition in global tourism markets are reshaping how travelers make their decisions.

Though visitor volume is forecast to level off in the next few years, Las Vegas’ well-established reputation as a global tourism hub remains strong. Major events such as the Las Vegas Grand Prix and Super Bowl LVIII helped fuel rapid recovery and growth, but as Nevada moves into a new phase of tourism, the focus will shift from surge-driven demand to sustainable growth. This shift will require the state and the city to remain competitive, maintain high-quality service, and focus on long-term planning to adapt to evolving travel trends.

Sports Tourism: A Key Driver of Demand

Sports tourism is proving to be a major catalyst for continued tourism demand in Las Vegas. The city’s investment in sporting events and franchises, such as the arrival of the Raiders, Golden Knights, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix, has significantly boosted the region’s tourism industry. The city’s ability to convert sports into year-round travel demand is proving to be a powerful force in keeping visitor numbers steady, despite the broader economic landscape.

UNLV forecasts that sports tourism will continue to expand as additional sports franchises and arenas come online. This segment of tourism is becoming increasingly important, with Las Vegas positioning itself as a premier destination for major international sporting events. As sports tourism grows, the city will be able to further diversify its offerings, attracting visitors for both leisure and event-based travel.

The Challenges of Housing Affordability and Workforce Stability

While tourism remains a key economic driver for Nevada, the state’s housing market and workforce stability are also closely tied to the success of the tourism sector. Housing affordability is becoming a growing issue, especially in Southern Nevada. Declining housing permits and rising housing prices may impact the service industry’s workforce, potentially affecting the overall tourism experience. As the demand for service workers increases, workforce stability will be crucial to maintaining the high service standards expected by travelers.

In the coming years, efforts to balance housing affordability with workforce needs will be essential to ensuring that tourism remains a sustainable economic engine for Nevada. The tourism sector will need to work closely with local governments and developers to create affordable housing solutions for workers in the hospitality and service industries.

Diversification Beyond Tourism: A Broader Economic Outlook

Nevada is also making significant strides in diversifying its economy beyond tourism. The state is investing in sectors such as healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and information technology, which will help cushion the tourism industry during slower periods. Diversification is expected to reduce economic volatility, ensuring that the state’s economy remains stable and resilient even when tourism growth slows.

This economic diversification will allow Nevada to maintain a high level of service quality within the tourism sector while mitigating the impact of global economic fluctuations. For travelers, this means that they can continue to expect the same high level of service and amenities, even as the broader economy shifts toward more sustainable growth.

The Future of Las Vegas and Nevada Tourism

While the tourism industry in Las Vegas and the state will see slower growth, the outlook for the next few years is positive nonetheless. The city’s continuous magnetic pull for big events, its standing as a top destination for leisure and business travel, and its sports tourism market will keep the state among the leading countries in tourism worldwide.

As the tourism industry settles into a period of more stable growth, long-term strategic planning, stability in the workforce, and infrastructure development will be key concerns for stakeholders. Further diversification of Nevada’s economy and embracing new opportunities in sports and event tourism will help the Silver State keep its tourism sector resilient and competitive in the global marketplace.