Summer 2025 has brought more than just scorching heat.
While locals may have noticed shorter lines, more open tables, and less Strip congestion lately — there’s real data behind it. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, visitation to Las Vegas was down 11.3% in June compared to the same time last year.
And it’s not just a blip.
California visitor traffic is slipping, with I-15 border crossings down 4.3%.
Air travel to Las Vegas dropped 6.3% over the previous June.
And international tourism is in a broader slump, with the U.S. projected to lose $12.5 billion in travel spending this year.
Southern California alone made up nearly 30% of all Vegas visitors in 2024 — so when that segment starts pulling back, it sends ripples through the entire hospitality economy.
Why the Slowdown?
A combination of factors:
Economic hesitation: Rising costs, inflation, and post-pandemic budget fatigue.
Political noise: International travel is being affected by policy uncertainty and tensions. Media coverage abroad has zeroed in on travel restrictions, border issues, and a perception of the U.S. as less welcoming.
Changing habits: Californians — our biggest demographic — may be opting for shorter trips, staycations, or destinations closer to home.
Even Gov. Newsom has coined this moment the "Trump Slump" — a combination of tariffs, rhetoric, and travel hesitancy among international and out-of-state visitors.
But Paradoxically… Spending Is Up
Here’s the Vegas twist: While visitation is down, spending is not.
Clark County collected $1.16 billion in gaming revenue in June, a 3.5% increase from last year. Fewer visitors are coming, but they’re spending more — especially on luxury travel, dining, and entertainment.
And there’s another interesting trend: locals-driven properties like Durango and Red Rock Resort are outperforming expectations. That signals something important — while tourists may be pulling back, Las Vegas locals are still going out, spending, and supporting their communities.
It may reflect a quiet but growing confidence from those who actually live here — versus those watching Vegas from the outside in.
Will Las Vegas Rebound?
Historically, yes — and probably sooner than later.
Las Vegas is a resilient market, one that has always evolved in response to economic swings, shifting tourism patterns, and consumer behavior.
But it may take time. Conventions haven’t fully returned to pre-pandemic highs. International travel remains soft. And we’ll likely see some recalibration in hotel rates, marketing strategies, and airlift scheduling in the coming months.
The bigger question may be what kind of Vegas we’re heading toward — one that relies less on massive foot traffic and more on curated, high-value experiences.
And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
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In the meantime, if you're wondering how these changes affect your plans—whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to time the market—I'm here to talk strategy. Let’s have a conversation that actually makes sense for you.