News Summary
Las Vegas is experiencing a significant decrease in Canadian tourist visitation, attributed to ongoing political tensions linked to the Trump administration. Year-to-date figures show a 25.2% decline in Canadian travelers, causing a strain on the local economy, which previously benefited from millions in tourist spending. Airlines report steep drops in bookings, and major operators in the tourism sector face declining revenues. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority aims to address this downturn through targeted promotional efforts to attract Canadian visitors back.
Las Vegas is facing a significant decline in Canadian tourist visitation, directly linked to ongoing political tensions stemming from remarks made by the Trump administration. The number of Canadians traveling to Las Vegas has decreased by 25.2% year-to-date, a startling shift that poses serious consequences for the local economy.
In 2024, 20.2 million Canadians visited the United States, contributing over $20 billion to the economy and supporting approximately 140,000 American jobs. Canada has consistently been the largest source of international visitors to the U.S., making the current drop in Canadian travelers all the more alarming for destinations heavily reliant on this influx of tourists.
Recent statistics indicate a sharp reduction in air bookings from Canada, with declines ranging between 35.6% to 43%. Major airlines, such as Air Canada and WestJet, reported significant decreases in passenger numbers traveling to Las Vegas—33% for Air Canada and 31% for WestJet in June 2025 alone.
As a result of these trends, Las Vegas experienced nearly an 11% drop in total tourist numbers in June 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Hotel occupancy rates fell by around 15%, and average daily room rates dropped nearly 7%. The adverse effects of declining tourist numbers are felt acutely by major operators in the tourism industry, including MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, which have reported declines in revenue linked to the “Trump slump.”
The economic downturn is projected to impact around 43,000 jobs in Nevada, as the state faced an unemployment rate of 5.4% in July 2025, the second highest in the nation. The local economy, which saw an estimated $3.6 billion contribution from Canadian tourism in 2024, is now at risk.
Political tensions have been exacerbated by comments from President Trump suggesting that Canada could become the “51st state,” causing resentment among Canadians and leading to a widespread boycott of travel to the U.S. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has previously urged Canadian citizens to support the domestic economy by avoiding U.S. travel during Trump’s presidency.
Higher costs in Las Vegas, including soaring hotel rates and resort fees, have also contributed to discouraging Canadian visitors. Coupled with perceptions of unwelcoming attitudes in the U.S., these factors have created an environment that is less appealing for Canadian travelers.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is responding to these challenges by planning to enhance promotional efforts aimed at attracting Canadian visitors back to the city. Recognizing the need to strengthen ties, they aim to implement events and trade missions to recover lost tourist revenues.
Economic forecasts for U.S. tourism predict a continued downturn, estimating an 8.2% drop in international arrivals in 2025 due in part to perceptions of increasing hostilities and unwelcoming attitudes toward foreign visitors.
Overall, the decline in Canadian visitation, significantly tied to political rhetoric and economic factors, presents a serious challenge for Las Vegas tourism and the local economy. Stakeholders in the industry are now tasked with finding solutions to revitalize Canadian interest in visiting, amidst a backdrop of complicated international relations and shifting consumer sentiments.
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Additional Resources
- The Travel: Canada-USA Boycott and Decline in Canadian Tourists in Las Vegas
- WBAL: Downturn in International Travel to the U.S.
- Travel and Tour World: Orlando, Miami, Palm Springs, and Las Vegas Join Forces for Fall Travel
- AOL: Las Vegas Casino CEO Reveals Tourist Trends
- The Nevada Independent: Vegas Tourism Down Due to Tariffs and Immigration Crackdown
- Wikipedia: Tourism in Las Vegas
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LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
