Posted on 08/06/2025 10:13:41 AM PDT by Miami Rebel
The decline in tourism numbers is causing significant concern for Nevada's economy, with impacts reaching beyond the hospitality industry.
Jimmy Singh, who runs Las Vegas Souvenirs and Gifts, said his business is suffering due to a combination of factors, including the F-1 street closures and tariffs on imported merchandise. "I saw that also, for now, that tourism is less than last years. We see like a 30 to 40-percent drop," Singh said, noting a significant decrease in foot traffic and fewer international visitors.
Singh added that Canadian tourists, once a significant portion of his customer base, are notably absent. "Canada is more worst. Used to we have a lot of Canadians. Lot. Everywhere I see a Canadian. And now? No," he said.
Tourism is crucial to Nevada's economy, with a $98 billion impact, supporting over a quarter of all jobs, generating 22% of wages, and contributing 34% of tax dollars to the general fund, according to Applied Analysis and the Nevada Resort Association.
This results in a $3,000 reduction in the tax burden per household.
Alan Feldman, Director of Strategic Initiatives at UNLV's International Gaming Institute, said the decline in tourist-driven revenues from gaming and resorts has lawmakers hesitant to raise taxes, leading to potential cuts in public programs. "I think in Nevada, the more historic response has been cutting programs, reducing programs," Feldman said. "So it's not just politicians who are concerned. I'm confident there are teachers who are concerned. There are library staff who are concerned. There are hospital staff who are concerned."
The question remains whether this downturn is part of a cycle or a new normal. Singh expressed concern about changing perceptions of America among international tourists. "People think in a different way now. Used to say everybody love for America and now, a lot of them, they don't," he said.
Me too, terrible to use a car around town, and many sidewalks blocked
Used to go there a lot for business, took ten years off and then returned a year ago for a couple of trips. The streets are not any better when they are not running auto races. Made the mistake of driving from the airport to downtown on LV blvd. Cars don’t move but the sights did. Everything is too far apart to walk. The skytrain is okay up to a point.
People are willing to pay for Disney World because it's an unique experience.
There's nothing unique about Vegas. You'll pay $100 just to eat ribeye steak and then you'll have the privilege to gamble?
It used to be that they'll give you a discount on your dinner so they'll get you in the casino.
Here in the Memphis area, they opened up one in Ark, right across the river, but no free alcohol drinks. You got to pay for them. And the pit bosses don’t give you comps on the spot, like in Tunica.
If I was a drinking man, I would never go there.
This is what is hurting Vegas. Many conferences and conventions are moving elsewhere because they are just too expensive now.
No one going to Vegas could be early sign of depression in economies ...or the jitters, or people realizing that Vegas wasn’t expanding because they were losing money, so the tourists got tired of seeing casinos getting rich.
Bring back more buffets! Lower prices on high end meals, less computerized gambling machines, single deck blackjack...better payoff on craps....
“Maybe people are wising up to the scam that is the casino.”
You genuinely think that the human propensity for gambling has sudden evaporated after millenia of evidence showing we’re hardwired for it?
Both od those are just pure money grabs. I wouldn’t play either of them.
I don’t hate Vegas. I hate how it is run now.
“Canada is about 1% of our tourist income.”
I’m seeing sources showing that it’s 25-27%.
And here in South Florida it’s well above that.
Where’d you come up with 1%?
AAt the casino in Arkansas, they charge $69.99 for the buffet. Ridiculous, I only eat there when it is comped.
Tell me about it. Wal Marts used to be open 24 hours. Now everything is closed before midnight. COVID killed a lot of nightlife.
Real gamblers can see the rip offs and you can still find some good games if you look, but the tables minimum is usually $25 now. No more $10 or $15 games.
Charging for everything is short sighted. A few years ago, I used to go to Tunica at least once a month with my wife and her sister. Got a free room for the weekend and I never paid for food. When she got bored, she went to the room and she was good.
Even here in Tunica, they are cutting back. They don’t comp like they used to, so I don’t go as much. As I do like to gamble.
By dollars spent.
I’m glad for you. It’s good to have a counter opinion.
THE “NEW” LAS VEGAS IS VERY, VERY EXPENSIVE
EVEN LOCALS ARE UNHAPPY.
11 years ago was the last time I was there, and it was already getting bad. Between the high prices of everything to the # of panhandlers/”Buskers” on the strip, it ain’t worth it. Bring back $40 rooms at Excalibur and $1.99 steak and eggs. I’ll consider coming back.
If someone gave me $3000 dollars that I had to spend in Vegas I would be hitting the seafood buffets. Unlimited king crab is my destination. Gambling would be secondary.
Maybe Nevada will start collecting property taxes and come up with ways to exploit what the state has. Perhaps figure out ways to attract companies to invest in the state.
It was in my post.
$2 trillion in tourism income (estimated).
$20.5 billion in tourism income from Canada.
https://touristplaces.guide/how-much-do-canadian-tourists-spend-in-the-us/
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