A report presented by the Las Vegas Tourism Board shows: In 2025, the US city recorded twelve consecutive months of declining visitor numbers. The overall decline: 7.5 percent. There were 9.2 percent fewer guests in December than in the same month last year.

There is also significantly less going on at Las Vegas airport than in 2024. Since US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on many countries last spring, international flights fell 7.4 percent, with Canadian airlines canceling 22 to 28 percent of their flights. But domestic flights also fell by 6 percent.

Decline in visitor numbers and air traffic in Las Vegas

Las Vegas ended 2025 with an unemployment rate of 5.2 percent – one of the highest of any U.S. metropolitan area. “They closed my restaurant at lunchtime on weekdays and laid off many employees. We are working with a minimal staff,” confirms a waitress from Las Vegas on the Reddit platform.

“Our location is great, but sales are miserable. The shifts are only 6 hours instead of 8. The exuberant atmosphere of Las Vegas has disappeared. Even on the weekends you feel that something is missing. It’s just frustrating.”

Tourism experts cite subdued consumer sentiment in the country and concerns about inflation among Americans as reasons for the crisis – as well as “the ongoing concerns of foreign travelers”. According to Steve Hill, president of the tourism association, “some decisions made by our government in the area of ​​international relations have led to a decline in tourism.”

Price increases despite falling demand

Despite falling demand, hotels and casinos are increasing their prices – in contrast to the pandemic times and 2008, when prices in Las Vegas plummeted. Average hotel prices on the Las Vegas Strip increased 70 percent from 2015 to 2025, according to financial data provider MorningStar.

A night currently costs an average of $234. There are also mandatory resort fees – an additional $45 to $62 per night, depending on the hotel. As a result, supposed bargains often turn into unexpectedly high prices. Shocked guests often only notice the surcharges when checking out.

Las Vegas used to be known for cheap steaks, cheap all-you-can-eat buffets and cheap hotel rooms as well as its casinos and entertainment shows. Those times are over. Today, a bottle of water from the minibar can cost $26 (at the Aria Hotel) or a bagel with coffee can cost $33 (at the Fontainebleau Hotel). Early check-in costs an extra $60 (at the Flamingo Hotel), and some luxury hotels like the MGM Resort charge an additional $25 for cutlery when ordering room service.

Luxury instead of cheap entertainment

Instead of the former $19 all-day buffets, upscale lobster and steak buffets now cost $100 per person. “Unfortunately, almost all of the cheap buffets are gone. That’s a shame, because we residents also liked to eat there often,” confirms Aspen Lawrence to FOCUS online. The 27-year-old from Las Vegas continues: “And casinos are closing everywhere, big and small. Even the famous Tropicana was demolished.”

It’s all part of a strategy. Many casinos are being demolished or extensively modernized because older, mid-range casinos are considered less profitable. A more luxurious image is intended to attract more wealthy visitors. By focusing on event-oriented VIP experiences, Formula 1 fans should have priority over regular tourists.

The Formula 1 Grand Prix in Las Vegas has taken place annually since 2023. The investments for the street circuit amounted to 600 million dollars. The “Sphere” concert arena was opened in the same year. The construction of this largest spherical building in the world with 18,600 seats cost 2.3 billion.

Exclusive events and Aperol Spritz for $24

Tickets in the “Sphere” regularly exceed the $1,000 mark. Denise Apland of Washington paid $500 for an Eagles concert at the impressive entertainment arena in the fall. “The show was unforgettable. For me it was definitely worth the price,” she says to FOCUS online.

But a lot of other things are completely overpriced, says her friend Jen Baker: “The fun stops for me when I get an Aperol Spritz for $24 or $45 meals in very simple restaurants. Then there are the taxes and tips. And even Starbucks coffee is more expensive here.”

The Californian often comes to Las Vegas on business – three times in the past year. “If the company pays for everything, it’s one thing. But privately, I wouldn’t come here anymore. You just feel ripped off.”