And I literally know several hotel finance employees including my next door neighbor. We can just let the data tell the story though.
- In 2025 the decline in Las Vegas tourism was 7.5%.
- International tourism to Las Vegas accounts for 12%.
- Remaining 88% is domestic US travelers.
If we assume that the 3/4 that 12% is politically motivated people who hate Trump, which is generous to your arguement, it would account for a 0.675 % drop in tourism. Significant sure but it’s not making the headlines.
You then have to account for the remaining 6.825% decline that’s come from Domestic US travelers. There isn’t anything specific about Las Vegas or Nevada that relates to Trump. He owns a hotel here with his name on it but he has the same in several other city’s. It’s a swing state and Vegas itself is Democrat.
So what could the other factors be? The obvious one is if you ask why do people come to Las Vegas? Gambling and Entertainment.
Sports gambling is now legal in pretty much every state. As a result, the convenience and accessibility of online betting primarily through cell phone apps has lowered the exclusivity and appeal of visiting Las Vegas solely for sports gambling.
Las Vegas has become more expensive an there is a lack of affordable hotels, dining and entertainment options. Even from a gambling perspective you will struggle to find a blackjack or roulette table on the weekends that’s below $25 a as a minimum bet.
The middle class couple that would drive here from California used to be able to do be able to do a weekend trip for $1000. Stay in a decent hotel, the husband makes some bets on NFL games, the wife wants to see a show and go do a nice dinner. It’s now a $3000 trip.
They have just priced out the middle class who at the same time are facing stronger economic pressures.