LAS VEGAS – Tourism in Las Vegas has taken a downturn in 2025, with the city reporting a 7.8% drop in visitor arrivals and a 3.9% decline in passenger traffic through Harry Reid International Airport, according to recent data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and airport officials.
The declines are being linked to a reemergence of the “Trump Slump”—a term previously used to describe a dip in international travel during President Donald Trump’s first term, now resurfacing amid renewed immigration crackdowns and politically charged rhetoric during his second administration.
Industry Impact: Travel and Gaming Slowdown
Las Vegas’s economy depends heavily on both domestic and international tourism. In March 2025, gaming revenue on the Las Vegas Strip fell by 4.8% year-over-year, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Clark County reported mixed results, with downtown Las Vegas and the Boulder Strip showing slight gains.
The LVCVA noted that while convention attendance rose by 10.2%, international tourism—particularly from Europe and Asia—has weakened significantly. Local hospitality firms are reporting softer hotel bookings and increased marketing costs to stabilize Strip foot traffic.
Global Travelers Rethinking U.S. Trips
Travel data from The Times shows searches for U.S. holidays dropped by 36% since January 2025, while interest in Canadian travel surged 221%, signaling a shift among global tourists wary of U.S. immigration policies. High-profile cases of travelers with valid documentation being detained or denied entry are contributing to the decline.
A British traveler was reportedly held for three weeks after crossing into the U.S. from Canada, while German nationals were turned away in Hawaii under unclear circumstances. These incidents, widely reported in international media, have led several countries to issue updated U.S. travel advisories.
Senator Jacky Rosen: “Tourists Are Being Scared Away”
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) voiced concern over the economic toll on Nevada’s hospitality industry. In a May 2025 interview with The Washington Post, Rosen said:
“We’re seeing fewer work shifts, higher costs, and businesses closing. That has a trickle-down effect on all of us in Nevada. It’s clear that President Trump’s aggressive policies and rhetoric are scaring away tourists.”
Rosen is co-sponsoring the bipartisan Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act, which proposes creating a new Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism to lead recovery efforts.
What’s Next for Las Vegas?
The LVCVA is ramping up international marketing and collaborating with federal agencies to clarify travel protocolsand repair global perceptions.
“Las Vegas remains a world-class destination,” said LVCVA CEO Steve Hill in a recent statement. “We are committed to welcoming travelers from around the globe and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all.”
Still, full recovery may depend on broader shifts in U.S. immigration policy and international relations.
For updates on U.S. entry requirements and international travel policies, visit travel.state.gov. For Las Vegas travel updates, visit www.visitlasvegas.com.
