Tourism in Las Vegas continues to decline as high costs repel visitors, with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) reporting a 11.3% drop in visitors for June. The city’s hotel occupancy has plummeted 6.5%, and average daily room rates have fallen to $163.64 — a 6.6% decrease. These numbers reflect a broader trend, as the Harry Reid Airport also experienced a 4.1% year-to-date decline in passengers. CEO of Caesars Entertainment, Tom Reeg, noted a ‘soft summer’ on his earnings call, signaling that the city’s tourism outlook is bleak.
Meanwhile, residents and visitors alike are expressing concerns over economic and tourism challenges, with some claiming that the once-bustling casinos are now nearly empty. Legal battles over bedbugs in local hotels and online discussions on travel forums have further intensified the narrative that Los Angeles is struggling to retain its status as the Entertainment Capital of the World. These concerns have been amplified by social media, where users have shared photos of empty casinos and lamented the city’s economic downturn.
Industry leaders, such as Tom Reeg of Caesars Entertainment, have acknowledged the impact of these economic pressures. He described the summer season as ‘soft,’ indicating that the current situation may not be a temporary setback but a more prolonged challenge for the Las Vegas tourism industry. Additionally, the decline in hotel occupancy and room rates has led to a reevaluation of the marketing and pricing strategies for resorts in the area. Some experts suggest that while the city’s iconic status as a gambling and entertainment hub remains, the economic landscape is shifting.
Visitors and locals alike are also voicing concerns over the city’s economic health. A recent comment from a user on the ‘r/lasvegas’ travel forum highlighted the growing sentiment that the city is becoming less accessible and less appealing. The user posted, ‘While the economy is going downhill, the strip nickel and diming folks [sic] is gonna result in this, and it’s gonna get worse,’ reflecting the frustration of many who see the city’s once-thriving tourism sector as under threat.
Some residents and experts have pointed to the impact of recent events, such as the NHL awards and NHL draft in June, which had a significant effect on the number of visitors to the city. As one Reddit user noted, ‘Last June, the NHL awards and NHL draft were both in town, and I went to both and met a ton of people and none of them were from Vegas, so that would account for a lot of tourism during that time.’ This observation suggests that the city’s appeal to out-of-town tourists is diminishing, further contributing to the decline in visitor numbers.
While there are signs of decline, some tourism experts, like Mallory Dumond of Travelmation, have offered advice on how visitors can still enjoy Las Vegas despite the rising costs. Dumond emphasized that proper planning can lead to a more affordable and enjoyable experience, suggesting that visitors opt for stays during the week rather than weekends to avoid inflated prices. She also recommended visiting midday for meals at restaurants, where costs are lower, and exploring alternative destinations such as Atlantic City or Napa Valley for a more budget-friendly getaway.