Las Vegas finds itself in unfamiliar territory as fewer travelers make their way to the city this year, with visitor numbers across 2025 showing their steepest drop in decades. For a place that thrives on high-energy crowds and packed hotels, this quieter backdrop is not business-as-usual.
Looking at the numbers, June underscored the trend: only about 3.1 million people visited, down 11.3% from June 2024, which saw 3.49 million tourists. The first half of the year tells the same story. Visitor volume dropped 7.3% compared to the same period last year, a gap that cannot be brushed off as a seasonal dip. Strip hotels that would normally be bustling are reporting some of the lowest foot traffic locals have seen in years, especially in the central and northern parts of the Strip where typically the daytime buzz doesn’t stop.
So, what’s changed? Economic uncertainty is front and center. Travelers, perhaps feeling the pinch from mixed signals in the broader economy, are either holding off on vacations or choosing to cut trips short. Wallet-watching is the new norm for many, particularly those who might have previously shrugged off costs for the sake of a memorable Vegas experience. Regional families and casual visitors are even more sensitive, especially when factoring in the rising cost of resort fees and room rates, which have crept up and made Las Vegas less tempting, especially for budget travelers and international guests.
The classic Vegas convention crowd has also thinned out. Fewer big conferences and business events populated the city this summer, which matters because these gatherings often fill tens of thousands of hotel rooms and drive steady business for restaurants and shops. On top of this, the weather hasn’t helped: several days saw temperatures soar past 110°F. Such heat is hardly inviting for families or sightseers who flock to outdoor attractions, leading more would-be visitors to stay home or redirect their plans elsewhere.
International travel, a source of reliable crowds, especially from Canada and Mexico, has dropped by as much as 13%. Experts suggest current U.S. immigration rules and higher tariffs have contributed to this slump. The effect cascades, since international guests tend to stay longer and spend more, magnifying the impact on hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues. As the city leans into its fall events lineup, executives are hoping a packed schedule and milder weather will lure these travelers back.
Locally, the biggest drop-off is among California residents, who traditionally make up a significant chunk of Vegas’s weekend crowds. Economic anxiety and higher travel costs have influenced their decisions, with many opting to stay in-state for entertainment. Central and northern Strip businesses, from shops to show venues, are feeling the consequences, while some southern Strip hotspots remain busier, possibly thanks to hotel deals targeting loyal repeat guests.
Despite these clouds hanging overhead, Las Vegas is not standing still. Casino operators and hospitality businesses are doubling down on autumn celebrations, sports events, and convention bookings, betting that lower temperatures and fresh reasons to visit might bring the numbers back up. While there’s no denying 2025 has delivered a blow to tourism, those who call the city home, and make their living off its success, are watching carefully, hoping for a rebound as the year closes.Â
