Las Vegas is experiencing a significant decline in visitors from Canada, with numbers dropping sharply due to various factors including political tensions and currency fluctuations. According to the latest data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the city saw a 5.2 percent decrease in Canadian visitors in November 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, falling from 3.4 million to 3.1 million. From January to November 2025, visits from Canadians decreased by 7.4 percent, totaling 35.46 million visitors compared to 38.27 million in 2024.
The decline in Canadian tourism is attributed to a combination of factors, including objections to the current political climate in the United States and a weakening Canadian dollar. The Bank of Canada recently reported that one Canadian dollar now equals USD $0.725, further complicating travel decisions for Canadians. The Las Vegas tourism sector is bracing for potential challenges in the coming year, even with major events like the 2026 World Cup and the Las Vegas Grand Prix on the horizon.
Challenges and Strategies for Recovery
Officials from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority acknowledged the various challenges they face. A report noted concerns about cautious consumer sentiment and new federal policies, such as the visa integrity fee and expanded social media screening for visa-waiver travellers, which could deter international visitors.
Derek Stevens, the owner and CEO of Circa Resort & Casino, has taken proactive steps to attract Canadian tourists back to Las Vegas. He recently announced a promotion allowing guests at his hotels to pay in Canadian dollars at par with U.S. dollars. “It pains me to see that, as countries, we’re kind of getting into a bit of this fight,” Stevens said. He emphasized the need to make Canadians feel welcomed in Las Vegas.
The promotion, which will last until the end of August, includes special offers such as the ability for guests to exchange up to CAD $500 for USD $500 in gaming vouchers. Stevens views the success of this initiative as more than just an increase in bookings; he hopes to create a sense of comfort and safety for Canadian visitors.
Impact on Local Economy
The financial implications of declining Canadian tourism are significant for Las Vegas. Shelley Parry, general manager of TierOne Travel Inc. in Calgary, expressed concerns that the political climate and increased border security have led to a substantial decrease in Canadian travel to the United States, estimating a year-over-year decline of 40 percent.
Stephen Miller, an economics professor and research director at the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, noted that while Canadian visitors are a small portion of the overall visitor volume, they are crucial for the international segment of tourism. “We’re seeing visitor volume down consistently across various categories, and it’s a problem the fathers and mothers of Las Vegas are concerned about in terms of our tourism industry,” Miller stated.
Despite the overall visitor decline, Miller pointed out that higher-income individuals are still traveling and spending, which is a silver lining for the industry. “Visitors are down, but the spending per visitor is up,” he added, indicating that while lower-income tourists may be staying away, those who do visit are spending more.
As Las Vegas grapples with these challenges, it is clear that the city will need to adapt its strategies to regain its footing as a top destination for Canadian travelers.
