(LAS VEGAS) Las Vegas tourism cooled sharply in June, and unions are calling it a “Trump slump,” blaming immigration crackdowns and border frictions for discouraging international visitors. Resort leaders say the dip looks like normal seasonality after 2024’s record highs.
What changed in June
- Visitation fell about 11.3% year over year to roughly 3.1 million, a drop of about 400,000 people.
- Hotel occupancy slipped ~6.5%, and the average daily room rate (ADR) eased to about $163.64.
- Harry Reid International Airport handled fewer passengers, with traffic down roughly 4–6% versus last year.
- I‑15 crossings at the California–Nevada border fell 4.3% year over year, signaling fewer drive trips from Southern California.
These figures come from the latest snapshots cited by local reporting and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
Why unions say “Trump slump”
Union leaders and allied officials argue that tougher immigration enforcement and more hassles at the border are chilling travel from key partners, especially Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico. They also point to trade and tariff talk that makes trips to the United States 🇺🇸 feel less welcome or more costly.
Rep. Steven Horsford put it bluntly: “Under the Trump slump, the numbers are tanking,” highlighting softer bookings and reports of reduced flights from Canada and Mexico. Unions say Las Vegas—long fueled by short‑haul trips from those markets—feels the hit first.
Public evidence they cite includes:
- A projected $12.5 billion drop in international visitor spending in the U.S. during 2025 versus 2024, based on industry forecasts.
- Weaker mid‑2025 international segments in Las Vegas, especially from Canada and Mexico, which together made up a majority of Vegas’ international visitors in 2024.
- Booking pullbacks from the U.K., Germany, and Canada for 2025, with some Canadian carriers trimming Vegas flights.
Operators push back
Resort executives see the slowdown as a pause, not a pivot.
- Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg calls the downturn “normal seasonality” after a record 2024 and says he’s not concerned.
- MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle says, “Las Vegas is as solid as ever,” pointing to a stronger second half on the back of big conventions and headline events.
June revenue backs some of that stance. Clark County gaming revenue rose 3.5% year over year to about $1.16 billion, suggesting fewer visitors still spent strongly—likely due to events and higher‑spend guests.
By the numbers
| Metric | June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Visitors | ~3.1 million (−11.3% YoY) |
| Hotel occupancy | −6.5% YoY |
| ADR | ~$163.64 (down ~6–7% YoY) |
| Harry Reid Airport | down ~4–6% YoY |
| I‑15 border traffic | −4.3% YoY |
| Clark County gaming | ~$1.16B (+3.5% YoY) |
| U.S. international tourism spending (proj.) | ~$169B in 2025 vs ~$181B in 2024 (−$12.5B) |
What else is driving the drop
Stakeholders agree there’s more than one cause:
- Affordability fatigue: Visitors report high total trip costs—resort, parking, entertainment, and food and beverage fees. Rates have eased but fees add up.
- Source‑market shifts: Southern California supplied roughly 30% of all visitors in 2024 and over one‑fifth of air arrivals. A pullback there hits hard.
- International softness: Canada and Mexico are vital to Las Vegas’ international mix. Mixed policy messages and higher airfares can dampen trip intent.
- Cyclical pressure: Axios describes Las Vegas as a bellwether for discretionary spending. An 11% drop in visitors alongside a national international spending dip suggests broader headwinds.
Jeremy Aguero of Applied Analysis warns against reading too much into one month, stressing price sensitivity, rising guest expectations, and the city’s deep event pipeline.
How this affects people on the ground
- Hospitality workers: Lower occupancy can mean fewer hours, slimmer tips, and less stable schedules. Unions are pressing for wage security and clearer fee policies.
- Resorts and venues: Expect sharper midweek discounts, targeted offers, and reliance on conventions, residencies, and sports to fill rooms.
- Airlines and tour operators: Carriers may keep trimming Canada/Mexico capacity until demand and policy signals improve.
- Travelers: There are better midweek and off‑peak deals than last year, but fees remain a big part of the total bill.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Las Vegas’ mid‑2025 cooling mirrors U.S.-wide weakness in international travel demand, with policy signals and price fatigue both in play.
Key takeaway: The June decline is meaningful but not decisive—mixed signals point to both temporary and structural factors.
Political framing vs. economic reality
Is it a “Trump slump,” or just sticker shock and a high 2024 base? The answer may be: both.
- Support for the label:
- Weaker bookings from allied markets.
- A projected national shortfall in international spending.
- Carrier cuts on Canada/Mexico routes.
- Counterpoints:
- Operators cite seasonality.
- Gaming revenue is up.
- Price/fee fatigue is widespread.
- Southern California’s pullback looms large.
Bottom line: Causation is shared and still contested. The June decline is the first double‑digit year‑over‑year drop since 2021, placing a bright spotlight on affordability and international demand.
What to watch through 2025
- Conventions and events: A heavy fall calendar could shore up midweek occupancy and rates.
- Border and visa climate: Friendlier entry experiences and calmer trade talk with Canada/Mexico could lift sentiment.
- Pricing: More rate softness and clearer fee policies may be needed to rebuild volume.
Practical guidance for travelers
If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas in late 2025:
- Shop midweek: Monday–Thursday stays often carry bigger discounts now than in 2024.
- Check the full price: Look at resort, parking, and entertainment fees before you book.
- Watch air capacity: From Canada and Mexico, routes and schedules may shift; book flexible fares when possible.
- Plan entry early: Review official U.S. entry guidance well before travel. For general visitor information, see the U.S. Department of State’s visa page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html
Practical guidance for local businesses
- Target Southern California with simple “total price” bundles and limited‑time parking or resort‑fee offers during shoulder periods.
- Rebuild Canada/Mexico demand with airline and online travel agency partnerships once capacity stabilizes; emphasize reliable service and support.
- Lean on events to anchor midweek base, then layer retail offers to fill gaps.
- Monitor pace: Track LVCVA visitation reports and Harry Reid International Airport passenger trends monthly to adjust pricing and staffing.
Context matters
Las Vegas set records in 2024, creating a tough comparison. International visitors were only about 12% of the total, but swings in that segment can punch above their weight—especially for hotels and events.
With Southern California still the single largest feeder market, even a modest dip there can drag headline numbers. The city has weathered bigger storms; current data point to pressure, not a collapse.
If conventions perform as planned and pricing stays flexible, the second half can stabilize. If border and visa frictions ease, the “Trump slump” argument may fade. If not, unions will likely keep the spotlight on policies they say are pushing visitors away.
For now, the signals are mixed: fewer people, but steady spending. The next few months—especially the convention slate—will tell us whether June was a blip or a trend.
This Article in a Nutshell
Las Vegas saw a sharp June 2025 visitor drop—11.3% year over year to 3.1 million—prompting debate over policy versus seasonality. Unions blame immigration and border frictions; operators cite 2024’s record highs and upcoming conventions. Higher fees and Southern California pullback compound effects, while gaming revenue remains resilient.
