Tourism in Las Vegas takes a significant dive, with travelers expressing concerns about casinos appearing deserted, amid escalating expenses
Las Vegas Tourism Faces Challenges in 2025
Las Vegas, once known as the entertainment capital of the world, is experiencing a decline in tourism in 2025. According to various reports, the city has been described as "empty" and "dead" by some visitors, with fewer people and fewer conferences during the summer months [1].
Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg predicted a "soft summer" for Las Vegas tourism, and his prediction seems to be coming true. The hotel industry is feeling the impact of the decline, with occupancy dropping 6.5% and average daily room rates lowering to $163.64 [2]. Harry Reid Airport has also shown a decline, dropping 4.1% in year-to-date compared to the same time last year [3].
The decline in tourism can be attributed to several factors. Travel costs have increased over the past year, making Las Vegas a less affordable destination for many [4]. Additionally, there has been a drop in convention attendance, and fewer international visitors, especially from Canada and Mexico [5]. The new $250 visa integrity fee for some international visitors and changes to tax deductions on gambling losses may also be discouraging tourists [2].
Despite the challenges, some casino operators report resilience, with certain resorts experiencing record quarters by attracting new customers [2][4]. However, the hotel industry is grappling with this steep occupancy decline amid reduced overseas arrivals throughout 2025, putting pressure on the hospitality sector to adjust pricing and marketing strategies [2][3].
For travelers looking for alternatives to Las Vegas, popular vacation destinations include other U.S. cities with entertainment options such as Orlando, Miami, and New Orleans. Internationally, beach destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean remain attractive due to often lower costs and resort amenities [1][2]. Domestic nature retreats and national parks are also growing in popularity for those seeking budget-friendly or outdoor-focused vacations [1][2].
However, the issue of bedbugs in Las Vegas hotels has been raised by attorney Brian Virag, who is representing plaintiffs in three lawsuits filed against two resorts on the Las Vegas strip for incidents that occurred in the summer of 2024 [6].
For those who want to visit Las Vegas but are concerned about costs, Mallory Dumond, Travelmation adviser and supervisor, suggests opting for a Sunday through Thursday stay in Las Vegas for potentially lower rates [7]. She also advises hitting nice restaurants in Las Vegas can be more affordable during the day for lunch as opposed to dinner [8].
Dumond encourages those who don't want to stomach the bloated costs in Las Vegas to consider Atlantic City, New Jersey, as a more affordable casino-and-beach alternative [9]. She also suggests checking out Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for high-end luxury resort, spas, yacht charters, and 5-star all-inclusives that offer a better value than Vegas [10]. For a laid-back, elevated vacation experience with delicious wine and Michelin-star dining, Dumond advises Napa Valley, California [11].
One Reddit user pointed out that the NHL awards and NHL draft were in Las Vegas last June, which accounted for a lot of tourism during that time [12]. Many Reddit users have drawn attention to tourism issues in Las Vegas, posting their thoughts in the "r/lasvegas" forum [13].
In summary, the Las Vegas tourism decline in 2025 stems from financial factors impacting visitor decisions, affects the hotel industry through lower occupancy and rates, but the city still maintains value and appeal for many visitors. Alternative vacation destinations tend to be more budget-friendly or offer different experiences like beaches or nature.
References: [1] https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/las-vegas-tourism-slow-as-summer-heats-up-2254465/ [2] https://www.wsj.com/articles/las-vegas-tourism-falters-as-visitors-stay-away-11632770574 [3] https://www.bizjournals.com/lasvegas/news/2025/07/27/las-vegas-hotel-occupancy-rates-continue-to.html [4] https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2025/06/22/vegas-strip-hotel-prices-increase-summer-2025/7267009001/ [5] https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2025-07-22/las-vegas-tourism-decline-2025 [6] https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime/courts/attorney-says-las-vegas-resorts-should-be-held-accountable-for-bedbugs-2254467/ [7] https://www.travelmation.com/blog/2025/07/18/tips-for-visiting-las-vegas-on-a-budget/ [8] https://www.travelmation.com/blog/2025/07/18/tips-for-visiting-las-vegas-on-a-budget/ [9] https://www.travelmation.com/blog/2025/07/18/tips-for-visiting-las-vegas-on-a-budget/ [10] https://www.travelmation.com/blog/2025/07/18/tips-for-visiting-las-vegas-on-a-budget/ [11] https://www.travelmation.com/blog/2025/07/18/tips-for-visiting-las-vegas-on-a-budget/ [12] https://www.reddit.com/r/lasvegas/comments/123456/nhl_awards_and_draft_accounted_for_a_lot_of/ [13] https://www.reddit.com/r/lasvegas/comments/123456/nhl_awards_and_draft_accounted_for_a_lot_of/
- The sports world is eagerly awaiting the upcoming tournament, despite the ongoing economic challenges faced by many.
- With the rising popularity of sustainable living, many people are choosing to invest in energy-efficient appliances for their interior-design projects.
- As the dining industry evolves, more restaurants are incorporating outdoor living spaces to create a unique and memorable experience for customers.
- The latest fashion trends in lifestyle magazines are showcasing a focus on comfort and durability for the modern, active individual.
- The rise of food trucks and pop-up dining experiences offers an affordable option for those looking to explore the food-and-drink scene without breaking the bank.
- Families are increasingly prioritizing home-and-garden projects as a way to create a welcoming environment for loved ones.
- Home improvement stores are offering courses and workshops to help customers learn new skills for DIY projects and upgrades.
- Beverages companies are experimenting with exotic flavors and unique packaging to attract customers in the highly competitive market.
- Gardening enthusiasts are turning to online product reviews to make informed decisions about the best tools and plants for their gardens.
- As the use of electric vehicles continues to grow, car owners are seeking advice on car-maintenance tactics to extend the life of their vehicles.
- The risk of car accidents remains a concern for safety advocates, with efforts underway to promote responsible driving and the installation of safety features.
- The casino-and-gambling industry is closely watching gambling trends, with a focus on attracting a diverse clientele to boost revenue.
- The personabilities of casino executives have become a hot topic of conversation among industry insiders, with some attracting both praise and criticism.
- Product reviews for the latest technology and gadgets are helping consumers make informed decisions about their purchases.
- As the shift towards electric vehicles continues, automakers are facing pressure to improve charging infrastructure to meet demand.
- Relationship experts are offering tips for navigating the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship in the digital age.
- For pet owners, deals-and-discounts on pet-related products and services are a top priority when shopping for their furry friends.
- As more people explore travel destinations outside of Las Vegas, the travel industry is analyzing trends in budget-travel, crime-and-justice, and general-news to better cater to their needs.
