Las Vegas mayor says the city is suffering from a serious drop in Canadian tourists: ‘We need you, and we miss you’

Core Insights - Las Vegas is experiencing a significant decline in international tourism, particularly from Canada, which is its largest international market [1][4] - Mayor Shelley Berkley has made a public appeal to Canadian visitors, emphasizing the need for their return to support the local economy [2][14] - The downturn in tourism is attributed to various factors, including economic conditions, rising costs, and political concerns [7][9] Tourism Decline - The city saw a drop of 11% in total tourists in June 2025 compared to June 2024, with international visitors down by 13% [3] - Canadian tourist numbers fell sharply, with Air Canada and WestJet reporting declines of 33% and 31% respectively, and Flair Airlines experiencing a 62% drop [4] - Canadian tourists contributed approximately $3.6 billion to the Southern Nevada economy in 2024, supporting over 43,000 jobs [5] Economic Impact - The tourism industry in Southern Nevada generates a total economic impact of $85.2 billion [12] - The decline in visitors has led to a 27,000 room-night decrease in the second quarter, significantly affecting major gaming companies [10] - Las Vegas visitor volumes have consistently declined each month in 2025, with a 7.3% decrease in the first half compared to 2024 [12] Affordability Concerns - Mayor Berkley highlighted that Las Vegas has strayed from its historical value proposition, with rising costs alienating potential visitors [6][8] - Resort fees now range from $44 to $57 per night, and parking fees have increased significantly, impacting visitor spending behavior [8] - In response to criticism, some properties have begun offering value-focused promotions to attract visitors [11] Future Outlook - Despite current challenges, there is optimism for recovery, with upcoming events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix expected to drive tourism growth [13] - The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has invested $3.25 million in marketing campaigns targeting international markets [13]