Visitor Numbers to Las Vegas Have Fallen Nearly 8% in March 2025!

A recent report from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) reveals that the entertainment capital of the world has seen a significant decrease in Visitor numbers, with March 2025 showing an almost 8% decline when compared to the previous year. The official count showed 3.39 million visitors in March, down from 3.68 million in February, marking a troubling trend for a city heavily reliant on tourism. This decline is accompanied by a 2.4% drop in midweek hotel occupancy, with rooms remaining only 82.9% full, compared to 85.3% during the same time last year. Even on weekends, occupancy saw a slight decline of 1%. Despite an influx of over 500,000 visitors for conventions, casino revenues dropped by nearly 5%, reflecting the shift in the leisure market. Interestingly, while visitor metrics declined, the average hotel rates along the Las Vegas Strip rose by 3.9%. This contradiction further complicates the narrative as businesses try to cling to profitability amidst changing consumer behaviors. Added to this, data from the Clark County Department of Aviation indicated a 3.9% drop in passenger traffic at Harry Reid International Airport, signaling a broader trend in travel declines into the area. This downturn has led many to ponder whether the decline is symptomatic of what's been dubbed the 'Trump slump', which allegedly has deterred many international travelers due to fears about American immigration policies and high-profile deportation cases. Approximately 17% fewer Western Europeans visited the USA, with German and Irish visitors dropping by over a quarter compared to the previous year. Observers suggest that exorbitant costs in Las Vegas, including high hotel rates, dining fees, and entertainment expenses, may further dissuade potential tourists. Commentary on corporate greed, particularly relating to the rising costs and perceived lack of value for visitors, indicates that some locals may stay away from the Strip altogether, no longer finding it a worthwhile destination. The shift in attitudes towards travel to Las Vegas is part of a complex economic picture where convention traffic remains robust while leisure tourism softens, as noted by Steve Hill, CEO of LVCVA. Amid the uncertain backdrop, questions regarding potential layoffs at major resorts have arisen. MGM Resorts confirmed it is adapting operations to match evolving customer preferences and has closed some concierge desks, leading to reassignment of staff. Legislation and ongoing corporate practices will significantly influence the future of Las Vegas as local unions, like the Culinary Union representing 60,000 hospitality workers, reaffirm their commitment to protect jobs and uphold workers’ rights. As the landscape shifts, both the casino operators and the city must navigate this new era of tourism dynamics and economic viability.