There has been a drop in the number of visitors to Las Vegas. City officials and tourism leaders have discussed the many challenges affecting the industry. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has pointed to international relations as a major reason for the decline, linking it to decisions made by the current Trump administration.
This has had a particularly strong impact on tourism from Canada, which is the city’s biggest source of international visitors. According to LVCVA president Steve Hill, visits from this specific market have fallen by more than 20 percent. However, even with this big drop, overall international visitor numbers have stayed steady, showing no decrease.
According to Fox News, this view is supported by Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Resort & Casino, who adds that broader economic conditions are also playing a role. Stevens believes the global economy and current currency exchange rates are contributing to the lower number of visitors. While he admits the industry has slowed down, he remains optimistic about a quick recovery. Stevens has said he thinks that within the next six months, both the Las Vegas tourism industry and the wider economy will improve.
Trump’s policies seem to be hitting tourism the hardest
His confidence comes from the expectation that finalized trade deals will create stability, which will then help encourage future growth. To address the current situation, the LVCVA has taken action to make the city more appealing. The LVCVA board of directors recently approved a new $20 million sponsorship deal for the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix.
This agreement is meant to keep the high-profile race running through 2027 and is seen as a strategic move to draw large crowds and boost tourism. This effort to attract more visitors comes at a time when other concerning trends are emerging, such as a drop in activity at Harry Reid Airport. The airport’s numbers have fallen by 4.1 percent so far this year compared to the same time last year, highlighting the challenges the city is facing in multiple areas.
2/ everyone who studies the causal relationship between hostile anti-immigration policies and the tourism industry had warned us ahead of time. Oh, what's that? They did? -Daily Dose of Democracy
— ˶˃ NewsCatNO DMs˂˶ (@typocatCAv2) August 11, 2025
Additionally, shifts in demographics and changing preferences among younger generations are also being blamed for the tourism decline. Conservative activist Robby Starbuck has shared his view that Las Vegas’s traditional marketing image, which focuses on classic attractions like slot machines and showgirls, does not connect with younger audiences. He argues that many people under 40 are not interested in these kinds of activities, pointing out that a large number now prefer online gambling instead.
Starbucks said, “Another differentiator is that older generations focused on real-life interaction — while younger generations feel just as content with parasocial online experiences. The Vegas marketing image is one centered on slots and showgirls, two things young people have no interest in.”
