Las Vegas Starting To See Visitor Numbers Pick Up Again

Las Vegas saw 3.5 million visitors in May, representing a 2% year-on-year increase. The figure has helped shore up reasonable results in the first few months of the year. February and March posted 2.1% and 1.9% annual increases in visitor numbers. However, January and April posted declines of 2.2% and 1.8%.

Vegas has been experiencing a decline in visitor numbers over the past few years. 42.5 million people visited Sin City in 2019. In 2023, Vegas saw 41.7 million people. A year later, the number was roughly similar, but 2025 saw only 38.5 million people visit.

Las Vegas Decline

Numerous reasons have been given for the decline. Increased resort fees and high pricing have been cited as primary reasons. So-called ‘nickel and dime’ pricing means that while accommodation fees haven’t risen too steeply, the cost of meals, shows, and even parking has increased. These costs have put a lot of visitors off Sin City.

Aggressive immigration and other US political policies have led to a decline in general visitor numbers to the US. The country welcomed 68 million foreign visitors in 2025 – a decline of 5.5% compared to 2024. The biggest drop was experienced in the number of visitors from Canada.

Canadians shunned the US after Trump vowed to make them the 51st state. This decline was especially felt in Vegas. Canadians represent nearly half of all international visitors to the city.

Another reason for the visitor decline is the increased popularity of online casinos. Online casino bonus programmes, progressive jackpots, and large game portfolios have made iGaming sites more popular with bettors than the physical casinos the city is well known for.

This has coincided with a decline in disposable incomes for a lot of people around the world. The price of gas and other products has risen over the past few years, with many countries experiencing increases in unemployment.

Las Vegas Recovery

2025 was a difficult year for Las Vegas, at least in terms of visitor numbers. But things have started to look up. Casinos have taken steps to drag Canadian visitors back, with some venues providing on-par exchange rates for their visitors. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has also played its part, investing $3.5m in a marketing campaign specifically targeting Canadian visitors.

All-inclusive packages including accommodation, entertainment, food, and other features are becoming commonplace. Not only do all-in packages help keep costs down, but they also help avoid the hidden costs that had become associated with Vegas stays.

While Vegas is known as Sin City for the sheer number of casinos, it is also known for conventions as well as concerts and sporting events. Venues have leant into these opportunities even further.

This year has seen the CES consumer technology expo, the IMEX America trade show, and SEMA automotive show. The Las Vegas Grand Prix continues to draw visitors, with attendance over the three days typically topping 300,000. The opening of The Sphere will also see bands like Metallica, Backstreet Boys, and Eagles bringing in new crowds.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>JUST ANNOUNCED: Metallica will debut its Life Burns Faster residency at Sphere on Oct 1, 3, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31!<br><br>Register for Artist Presale now at <a href=”https://t.co/zQmc8tOTmf”>https://t.co/zQmc8tOTmf</a><br><br>Two-night and single-night tickets go on sale to the general public on Fri, Mar 6 beginning at 10am PT.… <a href=”https://t.co/HUu52SXR5t”>pic.twitter.com/HUu52SXR5t</a></p>&mdash; Sphere (@SphereVegas) <a href=”https://x.com/SphereVegas/status/2026720314772877572?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>February 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.x.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>