Las Vegas Struggles with 10th Consecutive Month of Tourism Decline

Published on November 26, 2025

Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, is facing its toughest tourism downturn in recent years. The city recently recorded its 10th consecutive month of tourism decline, with only 3.41 million visitors in the last month, a 155,000 fewer than the previous year. These figures are concerning, especially when considering that Las Vegas usually thrives on large crowds of tourists flocking for its casinos, shows, and luxury resorts.

Despite an apparent rebound during summer and early autumn, visitor numbers still haven’t returned to normal levels. The summer months saw a dramatic drop of nearly 8.8%, with attendance falling to 3.09 million in September alone. The city’s tourism, which once saw exponential growth post-pandemic, now faces an uncertain future as demand continues to fall.

Why Are Tourists Staying Away?

There are several critical reasons why Las Vegas tourism is taking a hit. Rising costs have made it less affordable for many. Hotel rates are soaring, and steep resort fees have added to the financial burden, leaving travelers to think twice before booking a trip.

Adding to the woes, the slump in international tourism, especially from Canada and other neighboring countries, has compounded the problem. Global issues such as political tensions and economic uncertainty have dampened international interest, leaving fewer overseas visitors to experience the famed Las Vegas Strip.

Meanwhile, midweek stays and business conventions, key sources of income, are experiencing significant reductions. Domestic tourists are increasingly opting for cheaper alternatives, avoiding the extravagant costs associated with Las Vegas. This shift in consumer behavior is particularly damaging as midweek visitors once brought a steady stream of revenue to the city.

The Hard Truth: Gaming Revenues Still High, But at a Cost

Ironically, while tourism is down, Las Vegas’ casinos are still seeing growth in gaming revenues, which rose by 8.2% recently. This indicates that the visitors who are still making the trip are not the usual vacationers, but high-spending tourists and big gamblers who are willing to splurge. However, this shift in the visitor base poses long-term risks, as relying solely on wealthy tourists and big spenders cannot sustain the city’s economy in the same way mass-market tourism can.

Casinos and resorts are undoubtedly feeling the impact of the reduced number of visitors, but their ability to adapt by focusing on affluent customers is not a long-term fix. For the city to recover fully, the tourism sector needs the return of the average vacationer, and that’s still uncertain.

Some Hope on the Horizon: Could Las Vegas Recover?

Despite the ongoing struggles, there are signs of hope. Resorts are making efforts to recover, offering promotions and discounted packages to attract visitors back. Las Vegas is also still a hub for major conventions, with events like a recent one attracting 30,000 attendees, which provided a much-needed boost to local businesses.

Moreover, experts from the University of Nevada predict a slight recovery in 2026, with over 40 million visitors expected. However, this number still falls short of the pre-pandemic high of 42 million visitors, and the road to full recovery remains uncertain.

Las Vegas Faces Further Challenges

The path to recovery may be harder than expected. International travel is still unpredictable, with factors such as visa issues, political instability, and tariffs affecting foreign visitors’ willingness to travel. The perception of Las Vegas as overpriced could drive budget-conscious tourists to other, more affordable destinations, making it difficult for the city to regain its previous popularity.

In addition, global economic instability, including inflation and currency fluctuations, may continue to suppress tourism demand. Even as tourism numbers slowly climb, many travelers will remain cautious about their discretionary spending.

A Road to Recovery with Uncertain Prospects

Despite ongoing efforts to revive Las Vegas tourism, the city faces significant obstacles that could impede its recovery. The high costs of visiting, combined with diminished international travel and the changing preferences of domestic travelers, continue to hurt the city’s tourism sector. The reliance on a smaller, wealthier visitor pool is not a sustainable solution for long-term growth.

For Las Vegas to regain its former glory, it needs to shift its strategy and focus on attracting a broader range of tourists. It must offer more affordable options and provide unique experiences that appeal to all types of travelers. If not, the city risks facing more years of decline, with the tourist-driven economy struggling to recover fully.

In the end, Las Vegas tourism will need more than just high-rollers to make it work. It needs a revival of mass-market tourism, and that might take more time, effort, and adaptation to overcome the hurdles in the way.