Las Vegas experienced another decline in visitation in September.
The city welcomed approximately 3.09 million visitors, representing an 8.6% drop from September 2024, when about 3.38 million visitors came, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). This, after August numbers were also down.
Much of this decrease was attributed to a significant midweek downturn, although weekends saw an increase in visitors driven by major sporting events and entertainment, indicating a shift in visitor patterns.
The news comes on the heels of the announcement by Caesars Entertainment that the company's earnings dropped in the third quarter, mostly because fewer people visited Las Vegas. The drop occurred despite Caesars' best efforts to boost tourism to Sin City.
Recently, the LVCVA conducted a five-day sales promotion aimed at driving bookings and increasing visitation to the city. This campaign included deals on resorts, restaurants, entertainment, and experiences to encourage travelers to visit Las Vegas during typically slower midweek days.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
There is a growing perception that Las Vegas is no longer the affordable, fun-filled destination it once wasSeveral reports highlight the reasons behind this slowdown. Experts also point to broader economic factors, including
- Higher Travel Costs
- Inflation
- International Travel Restrictions
The restrictions were especially hard on international visitors like Canadians who typically contribute a substantial share of tourism.
The Las Vegas Strip's gaming revenue also fell for the first time since May, decreasing by approximately 5.5% from the previous year, which aligns with the lower visitor numbers.
Tourism industry insiders acknowledge ongoing softness in leisure demand, with some resort operators noting that prices might be too high, influencing visitors’ spending behavior. Despite the declines, local residents and some visitors report that the atmosphere still remains vibrant, and many continue to visit on a smaller scale, suggesting the overall impact, while real, is not a complete halt in activity.
The News is Not All Bad in Las Vegas
This trend mirrors a more extensive pattern of tourism slowdown across other major U.S. destinations, though Las Vegas’s decline has been characterized as modest compared to places like San Francisco or New York.
The Strip also experienced a bump in visitation, due in large part to baccarat.
Experts suggest this is part of a post-pandemic adjustment, with travelers increasingly cautious due to economic uncertainties and rising costs, affecting not only visitation but also gaming revenue and hotel occupancy rates.
Las Vegas's September visitation decline reflects broader economic and travel habit shifts, with lower midweek traffic being the primary factor, while weekend events continue to attract crowds. Despite the downturn, activity persists, and the city appears to be adjusting strategies to regain momentum.
