Las Vegas has long been a top destination for both domestic and international travelers, famous for its vibrant nightlife, world-class entertainment, and bustling casinos. However, 2025 has brought a noticeable shift in the city’s tourism landscape. Visitor numbers, hotel occupancy rates, and gaming revenues have all declined, raising important questions for travelers, businesses, and policymakers. This comparison will break down the current state of Las Vegas tourism in 2025, analyze the reasons behind the downturn, and help different groups decide how to respond or plan their next steps.
Let’s compare the main factors affecting Las Vegas in 2025, including visitor numbers, gaming revenues, hotel occupancy, and the responses from the industry. We’ll also look at the pros and cons for different situations, offer recommendations, and provide a clear decision-making framework for anyone considering a trip to Las Vegas or making business decisions related to the city’s tourism sector.
Comparing Visitor Numbers: 2025 vs. Previous Years
Las Vegas has seen a clear drop in visitor numbers in 2025. Through May, the city welcomed about 1 million fewer travelers compared to the same period in 2024, marking a 6.5% year-to-date decline. Monthly data shows the downturn is steady, not just a one-time dip:
- February 2025: Visitor numbers fell by 12% year-over-year.
- March 2025: Down 7.8%.
- April 2025: Down 5.1%.
- May 2025: Down 6.5%, with just over 3.4 million visitors.
This pattern shows that the drop is ongoing and not limited to a single month or event. For travelers, this means Las Vegas is less crowded than usual, which could be a positive for those seeking a quieter experience. For businesses, however, fewer visitors mean less revenue and more competition for each tourist dollar.
Hotel Occupancy and Room Rates: Then and Now
Hotel occupancy rates are another key measure of tourism health. In 2025, the average occupancy rate dropped to 85.5%, down from 88.6% in 2024. The number of room nights occupied fell by 5.5% in May alone. The decline became even sharper in June and early July, with occupancy dropping nearly 15% in June and another 17% in early July. These are some of the steepest drops among major U.S. tourism markets.
Room rates have also responded to weaker demand. The average nightly hotel rate in Las Vegas has fallen by 5.5%. This is partly because of the closure of major properties like The Mirage and Tropicana, which reduced the number of available rooms and affected overall demand.
Gaming Revenues: A Mirror of Visitor Trends
Gaming revenue is closely tied to visitor numbers in Las Vegas. In 2025, casino and gaming revenue fell by 4-11% in various months. For example, April saw a nearly 3% decrease in Strip gaming revenue, and statewide gaming tax collections also dropped. This decline matches the fall in visitor traffic and signals broader challenges for the city’s economy.
Airport Traffic and International Visitors: A Steep Decline
Harry Reid International Airport, the main gateway to Las Vegas, reported a 3.4% decrease in April passenger volume compared to the previous year. The drop was even sharper for international arrivals, with some airlines reporting a 30-50% decrease in Canadian and European markets. For example, Canadian air travel to Las Vegas dropped by 55% for some carriers, and AeroMexico saw a 63% decrease compared to last year.
This sharp fall in international visitors is especially important for businesses that rely on overseas tourists, such as luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Side-by-Side Analysis: Key Factors Affecting Las Vegas Tourism in 2025
| Factor | 2024 (Jan-May) | 2025 (Jan-May) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Numbers | ~15.4 million | ~14.4 million | -6.5% |
| Hotel Occupancy | 88.6% | 85.5% | -3.1 points |
| Room Nights Occupied | N/A | Down 5.5% | -5.5% |
| Gaming Revenue | N/A | Down 4-11% | -4 to -11% |
| Airport Passenger Vol. | N/A | Down 3.4% | -3.4% |
| International Arrivals | N/A | Down 30-63% | -30 to -63% |
| Average Room Rate | N/A | Down 5.5% | -5.5% |
Why Are Visitor Numbers and Gaming Revenues Down?
Several factors are driving the decline in Las Vegas tourism in 2025:
- Economic Uncertainty: Ongoing worries about inflation, rising costs, and a slowing U.S. economy are making people think twice about spending on travel.
- High Prices: Hotel rates, resort fees, parking, and general expenses have all gone up, making Las Vegas feel less affordable. Many travelers are choosing cheaper destinations like Mexico or Europe.
- International Tensions: Strained relations between the United States 🇺🇸 and countries like China, as well as ongoing conflicts in other parts of the world, have reduced the number of international visitors.
- No Major Events: In 2024, the Super Bowl brought a huge boost to Las Vegas. In 2025, there’s no similar headline event to draw big crowds.
- Closure of Major Properties: The shutdown of well-known hotels like The Mirage and Tropicana has reduced the number of available rooms and made the city less attractive to some visitors.
Industry Response: What’s Being Done?
The Las Vegas tourism industry is not standing still. Here’s how hotels, resorts, and officials are responding:
- Promotions and Discounts: Hotels are offering lower rates, free parking, and resort credits to attract more visitors.
- Legislative Changes: Nevada passed SB459 in 2025, expanding gaming options with private salons and lower betting limits to appeal to a broader audience.
- Increased Marketing: The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has boosted its advertising budget by $37 million for FY2026, focusing on domestic travelers and new attractions.
- Convention Sector: Convention attendance is actually up, with a 10% increase in March and 10.7% in May. This helps fill hotel rooms during the week, even as leisure travel slows.
Pros and Cons for Different Situations
Let’s look at the pros and cons of visiting or doing business in Las Vegas in 2025, depending on your situation.
For Leisure Travelers:
Pros:
– Less Crowded: With fewer visitors, you can enjoy shorter lines, more space, and a quieter experience.
– Lower Prices: Hotels and resorts are offering discounts and special deals, making it more affordable.
– More Choices: With lower occupancy, you have a better chance of booking your preferred hotel or show.
Cons:
– Reduced Atmosphere: Some travelers enjoy the buzz and excitement of a packed Las Vegas, which may be missing in 2025.
– Closed Properties: Some famous hotels and attractions are closed, limiting your options.
– Fewer International Events: The lack of major events may mean less variety in entertainment.
For International Visitors:
Pros:
– Better Deals: Aggressive promotions may make it cheaper to visit, especially if you can find good airfare.
– Less Competition: Easier to book popular attractions and restaurants.
Cons:
– Travel Barriers: Ongoing international tensions and fewer flights make it harder to get to Las Vegas.
– Smaller Crowds: Some international visitors enjoy meeting people from around the world, which may be less common this year.
For Business Travelers and Convention Attendees:
Pros:
– Strong Convention Sector: Convention attendance is up, so networking and business opportunities remain strong.
– Lower Costs: Hotels may offer better rates for business groups.
Cons:
– Uncertain Outlook: If the downturn continues, some events may be canceled or scaled back.
– Reduced Amenities: Some services may be limited due to lower demand.
For Local Businesses and Workers:
Pros:
– New Opportunities: Legislative changes and new marketing efforts may bring in different types of visitors.
– Convention Boost: Business travel is helping to offset some losses from leisure tourism.
Cons:
– Lower Revenues: Fewer visitors mean less income for hotels, restaurants, and shops.
– Job Uncertainty: Some workers may face reduced hours or layoffs if the downturn continues.
Recommendations for Specific Circumstances
Based on the current trends, here are some tailored recommendations:
If You’re Planning a Leisure Trip:
– Look for Deals: Take advantage of hotel promotions, free parking, and resort credits.
– Book Early: With some properties closed, the best rooms may still fill up quickly.
– Check Event Calendars: If you want to experience major events, plan your trip around conventions or special shows.
If You’re an International Traveler:
– Monitor Flight Options: Check for direct flights and compare prices, as some routes have been cut.
– Review Entry Requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or travel documents. For official information, visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel page.
– Consider Timing: Traveling during convention weeks may offer more excitement and networking opportunities.
If You’re a Business or Convention Organizer:
– Leverage Discounts: Negotiate with hotels for better group rates and perks.
– Promote Value: Highlight the benefits of attending events in a less crowded Las Vegas.
– Stay Informed: Keep up with legislative changes and LVCVA marketing efforts that may affect your audience.
If You’re a Local Business Owner:
– Adapt Offerings: Consider targeting convention attendees or offering special deals to locals.
– Engage with LVCVA: Participate in marketing campaigns and stay updated on new attractions.
– Monitor Legislation: Take advantage of new gaming options or business incentives.
Decision-Making Framework: How to Choose Your Best Option
When deciding whether to visit, invest, or do business in Las Vegas in 2025, consider these key questions:
- What is your main goal? Are you looking for leisure, business, or investment opportunities?
- What is your budget? Can you take advantage of current discounts and promotions?
- Are you flexible with timing? Visiting during conventions or special events may offer more excitement.
- Do you need specific amenities? Check if your preferred hotels or attractions are open.
- Are you traveling internationally? Review flight options and entry requirements carefully.
By weighing these factors, you can make a choice that fits your needs and expectations.
Official Resources for Up-to-Date Information
For the latest statistics, reports, and updates on Las Vegas tourism, visit the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). This site provides official data on visitor numbers, hotel occupancy, and upcoming events. You can also find information on new attractions and marketing campaigns.
Industry and Expert Perspectives
Industry leaders, such as Steve Hill, CEO of the LVCVA, remain hopeful that the downturn is temporary. Hill stated, “What we’re looking at right now we think is just a downturn in business for a period of time… There’s no evidence that it’ll turn into something like [COVID or the Great Recession].” According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, while the current drop is serious, it is not as severe as past crises, and there are signs of resilience in the convention and business travel sectors.
Economists from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) predict that visitor numbers, hotel occupancy, and gaming revenues may remain soft through at least 2026, especially if economic challenges continue. Social media and local commentary suggest that high prices are a major concern, with some travelers feeling that Las Vegas is “pricing itself out” of the market.
Conclusion and Practical Guidance
Las Vegas is facing a tough year in 2025, with clear declines in visitor numbers, hotel occupancy, and gaming revenues. The causes are complex, including economic uncertainty, high prices, international tensions, and the absence of major events. However, the industry is responding with aggressive promotions, new gaming options, and increased marketing.
For travelers, this may be a good time to visit if you value lower prices and smaller crowds. For businesses and workers, adapting to new trends and focusing on conventions and business travel may help weather the downturn. For policymakers and analysts, staying informed and flexible will be key as the situation evolves.
Keep an eye on official resources like the LVCVA for the latest updates, and consider your own needs and goals when making decisions about Las Vegas in 2025. Whether you’re planning a trip, organizing an event, or running a business, understanding these trends will help you make the best choice in a changing tourism landscape.
Learn Today
Visitor Numbers → The total count of tourists arriving in Las Vegas within a specific timeframe.
Hotel Occupancy Rate → Percentage of hotel rooms occupied compared to total available rooms in a period.
Gaming Revenues → Income casinos generate from betting and other gaming activities.
International Arrivals → Tourists entering Las Vegas from foreign countries via air or other transport.
LVCVA → Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority responsible for tourism promotion and data.
This Article in a Nutshell
Las Vegas tourism declines sharply in 2025 with fewer visitors, lower hotel occupancy, and falling gaming revenues. Economic uncertainty and international tensions reduce travel. Industry efforts include discounts and expanded gaming options, but the city faces challenges recovering without major events or key hotel operations intact.
— By VisaVerge.com
