Las Vegas' Sinking Tourism Numbers Are a Bad Sign for the U.S. Economy

[marmar]

(Fodors) The writing is on the wall: International tourism to the U.S. is on a downward spiral. Recent numbers show that tourist-dependent Las Vegas is feeling the squeeze after June saw 11.3% fewer visitors compared with last year. Canadians, traditionally some of its most loyal customers, have turned their backs. Inflation and rising costs are also driving away American visitors. However, there are some positive numbers. Casino gaming revenue in Clark County was up 3.5% in June, totaling nearly $1.16 billion.

Dwindling Tourists

In May, the World Travel and Tourism Council warned that the U.S. stands to lose $12 billion in international visitor spending this year. It would be the only economy among the 186 analyzed by the council to see such a decline in 2025. The council’s president, Julia Simpson, said this was a wake-up call for the country. “The world’s biggest Travel & Tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction, not because of a lack of demand, but because of a failure to act. While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign.”

....(snip)....

In June 2024, nearly 3.5 million people visited Las Vegas; this year, the number is down to approximately 3.1 million. Passenger volume at Harry Reid International Airport also declined 6.3%, from 5 million to 4.7 million. Daily traffic on Interstate 15 at the Nevada-California border has plunged as well, suggesting fewer Californians are visiting the state.

....(snip)....

About 24% of Nevada’s workforce are immigrants, many of whom are concerned about new policies. Culinary Workers Union Local 226, representing 60,000 workers in Las Vegas and Reno from 178 countries, told The Guardian that members are increasingly nervous. Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge said immigration policies have a direct effect on tourism. “You have Canadians that have said, ‘We’re going to go elsewhere.’ Some of our best customers are Mexican tourists. But the biggest one is southern California and visitation is down because they’re nervous about raids, the tariffs, the economy riled up.”

Tips are also drying up in the city. Approximately 180,000 people in the metro area rely on tips. Tattoo artist Charlie Mungo told the Wall Street Journal he used to make $3,000 to $6,000 per month, including tips, with Canadians accounting for 30% of his clients. Now, he brings in $1,500 per month. With rising prices and fewer jobs, Las Vegas workers are feeling the impact. ...................(more)

https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/nevada/las-vegas/experiences/news/las-vegas-sinking-tourism-numbers-are-a-bad-sign-for-the-economy

[chicoescuela]

1. It does not help that they have priced their products out of a lot of

people’s means. They won’t return to the prices of the 60s and 70s but I suspect there will be a retreat in pricing.

[edhopper]

3. Judging from all the new hotels

are for luxury high rollers, I don't see that happening soon.

[edhopper]

2. While tourism numbers are bad

and a bad sign for many places in the US. Vegas is doing this to itself. They have made the family friendly, middle class vacation spot into a rich only town. There is even a name there for it. "The Gouge". Everything overpriced, exorbitant fees, no cheap food or shows anywhere. Changing odds to favor make winning harder. It's no wonder people who use to go there have opted out.
Meanwhile over the last few decades, there are now casinos in most States.
Vegas is determined to usher in it's own demise.

[Lovie777]

4. It's a bad sign for Nevada....................

At least the coastal areas in the US will still have American tourists, although that is down too.

[Paladin]

5. Somebody break the bad news to the fascist leadership:

Actions have consequences. They won't believe it, but tell them anyway...

[tanyev]

7. It's because all those mean and nasty people are conspiring against them!

[Paladin]

8. Yeah, all us "mean and nasty people"...

...who think it's a good idea to hang on to Alaska's natural beauty and massive oil revenues---as opposed to making it a gift-wrapped present to Putin, in a brain-dead effort to win trump a Nobel Peace Prize. Jesus H. Christ, the times in which we live.

[chicoescuela]

6. I worked in finance in the Nevada gaming industry for 15 years.

It isn’t an easy business by any means. The large casinos have ‘forced ‘ themselves into the higher prices with the huge capital investments in their properties. They have a huge daily ‘nut’.

[kimbutgar]

9. Last time I was there I vowed to never to go again,

It was an evil place and I got bad vibes there.

[maxsolomon]

10. I think they'll be OK.

3.1 million vs 3.5 million during June. It's hard to get that worked up about a city that shouldn't exist.