Illustration:Rebecca Zisser/Axios Tourism is down by roughly 11% in Las Vegas this year, with visitor numbers, convention attendance and hotel occupancy all lower than usual, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Why it matters: Las Vegas’ financial health, with its large gambling market attractive to those with disposable income, is typically considered an indicator of the broader U.S. economy’s strength. The lower numbers, released last week, come alongside President Trump’s escalating trade war that has frustrated travelers and a broader decline in international tourism to the U.S. By the numbers: The destination experienced an 11% year over year decline in visitation, seeing roughly 400,000 fewer visitors in June of 2025, when compared to June of 2024. Context: More broadly, international spending in the U.S. tourism market is expected to fall by $12.5 billion this year, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, a UK-based organization that researches the global tourism industry. The projection estimated the industry will make $169 billion this year, down from $181 billion in 2024. The shortfall reflects a 22.5% drop compared to the previous peak. What they’re saying: “This is a wake-up call for the U.S. government,” Julia Simpson, president of the World Travel & Tourism Council, said in a statement. “While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign,” she added.
The Trump administration did not immediately respond to Axios’ request for comment.
Zoom out: The president’s trade war and its frequently changing deadlines have helped alienate traditional American allies, as Axios’ Emily Peck previously reported.
Certain industries have benefited from the tariffs, while some businesses have begun to struggle and will need to pass along costs to customers.
Some travelers have pledged to avoid the United States in an attempt to boycott the administration’s policies.
Illustration:Rebecca Zisser/Axios