Las Vegas, the city of neon lights and never-ending parties, is seeing its summer crowds thin out. Resorts and convention centers report fewer visitors this year, especially from overseas - and some are pointing the finger at President Donald Trump’s tariffs and immigration crackdown.
In June, just under 3.1 million tourists visited Vegas - an 11% drop from the same month last year. International travel was down 13%, and hotel occupancy sank nearly 15%, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Mayor Shelley Berkley says tourism from Canada - Nevada’s biggest foreign market - has collapsed from a “torrent to a drip.” Mexico isn’t far behind. “High rollers from Mexico just aren’t coming anymore,” she told reporters.
Union leader Ted Pappageorge called it the “Trump slump,” arguing that the administration’s hostile stance on immigration has scared away both international travelers and Latinos from nearby California. “If you tell the rest of the world they’re not welcome, then they won’t come,” he said.
The downturn mirrors a national trend. Tourism Economics slashed its 2025 outlook from predicting growth to forecasting a 9.4% decline in international arrivals. Canada, once America’s top source of tourists, is showing some of the steepest drops.
Airline data backs it up: in June, Air Canada passenger numbers into Vegas fell 33%, WestJet 31%, and budget carrier Flair an eye-popping 62%. Canadian travel agents blame politics, rising costs, and even “national pride” after Trump suggested making Canada the 51st U.S. state.
Still, Vegas isn’t folding. Circa Resort & Casino CEO Derek Stevens admits foreign visitors are down, but insists “the sky’s not falling.” Wealthier guests are still spending big on gaming, and package deals are helping fill some gaps.
Off the Strip, the Pinball Museum remains “recession-proof.” Manager Jim Arnold jokes their strategy is to “ignore inflation.” Quarter-a-play machines, free admission, and no resort fees keep visitors streaming in.
But critics warn rising prices across high-end resorts and restaurants are driving away middle-class tourists. “People feel nickeled and dimed,” Mayor Berkley admitted, urging businesses to make Vegas more affordable again.
Vegas slipped from No. 6 to No. 10 on AAA’s Labor Day travel list this year — but true to form, the city insists it’s just a dip, not a downfall.
