Las Vegas Sees Sharp Decline in Tourism, Canadians Blamed for Sin City Slump.

Las Vegas is experiencing a sharp decline in tourism, with the number of visitors down 11% YoY. Canadian tourists are particularly avoiding the city amid bilateral trade tensions. Airline figures show a 33% drop in Air Canada passengers, a 31% drop for WestJet, and a 62% drop for low-cost carrier Flair. Resort operators attribute the Canadian boycott to the trade war, with MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle saying international visitation, particularly from Canada, has been an issue.

Las Vegas, long known as a global tourism hub, is currently experiencing a significant decline in visitor numbers, with an 11% year-over-year (YoY) decrease in total visitors [1]. This downturn is particularly pronounced among Canadian tourists, who have been avoiding the city due to bilateral trade tensions [1].

The drop in Canadian tourism is evident in airline figures, with Air Canada passenger numbers declining by 33% in June compared to the same month last year, and WestJet seeing a 31% drop. Low-cost carrier Flair has experienced an even more dramatic decline, with a 62% reduction in passenger numbers [1]. Resort operators, including MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, have attributed this Canadian boycott to the ongoing trade war [1].

The economic impact of this decline is substantial. Canadians contributed $3.6 billion US to the local economy last year, supporting over 43,000 jobs in the region [1]. Nevada's unemployment rate, currently at 5.4%, is the highest among U.S. states and second only to Washington, D.C. [1].

While the immediate future looks challenging, resort operators are optimistic about the potential for recovery. Major events such as WrestleMania, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and performances by Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are expected to attract high-spending visitors, helping to stabilize revenue [2]. Additionally, promotional efforts are underway to lure back Canadian tourists.

References:
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/las-vegas-tourism-canadian-slump-1.7607707
[2] https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/las-vegas-tourism-faces-decline-in-2025-how-major-events-are-driving-high-spending-visitors/