Twelve Straight Months of Declines Culminate in Weak December (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Las Vegas recorded 38.5 million visitors in 2025, a 7.5 percent decline from 2024 that marked the lowest annual total since the post-pandemic recovery year of 2021.[1][2]
Twelve Straight Months of Declines Culminate in Weak December
The city experienced its 12th consecutive month of falling visitation in December, when 3.1 million tourists arrived, down 9.2 percent from the prior year.[1] This figure represented the fourth-steepest drop of 2025 by percentage. Overall, the year’s total fell 11.4 percent short of the 2016 record of 42.9 million visitors.
Hotel performance reflected the broader trend. Occupancy rates in December slipped 5.8 percentage points to 76.1 percent. Average daily room rates decreased 5.1 percent to $183.87.[1] Clark County gaming revenue and highway traffic into the region also declined for the month, though Harry Reid International Airport had not yet released its full-year passenger data.
Hotel and Convention Metrics Show Mixed Results
Annually, Las Vegas averaged an 80.3 percent hotel occupancy rate, down 3.3 percentage points from 2024.[2] The average daily room rate stood at $183.52, a 5 percent reduction, while revenue per available room dropped 8.8 percent to $158.62. Despite these setbacks, both metrics ranked as the third-best in the city’s history.
Convention attendance offered a measure of stability. The sector drew 6 million participants for the year, holding steady against 2024 levels but 10 percent below the 2019 peak of 6.6 million.[1] December saw a positive shift, with 306,000 attendees, up 9.6 percent.
| Metric | 2025 | Change from 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Visitors | 38.5 million | -7.5% |
| Convention Attendance | 6 million | Flat |
| Avg. Daily Room Rate | $183.52 | -5% |
| Revenue per Available Room | $158.62 | -8.8% |
Economic Pressures and Global Tensions Weigh on Travel
Faltering consumer confidence drove much of the year’s challenges, according to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Steve Hill. Sociopolitical developments further deterred international travelers, including President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and comments about annexing Canada as the 51st state.[1]
Nearby destinations showed varied performance. Laughlin visitation rose 7.3 percent to 1.4 million, with gaming win up 2.4 percent to $493.5 million. Mesquite held steady at 833,000 visitors, bolstered by a 7.1 percent increase in gaming revenue to $202.4 million.[1]
2026 Lineup Fuels Hope for Recovery
Industry leaders expressed confidence in a turnaround. “Las Vegas operates at a scale that few destinations can match and 2025 required us to remain nimble as conditions evolved,” Hill stated. “Despite a challenging environment, convention demand remained steady, the events calendar remained strong and the destination continued to adapt in real time.”[1]
A packed schedule underpins the optimism. The Las Vegas Convention Center anticipates 1.2 million trade show attendees, up from 1 million in 2025, highlighted by the triennial ConExpo-Con/Agg in March. Major events include WrestleMania 42 in April, UFC International Fight Week in June, the Formula One Grand Prix in November, and the National Finals Rodeo in December.
- World Cup viewing parties tied to the summer tournament.
- America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
- First National College Football Championship at Allegiant Stadium in January 2027.
Key Takeaways
- 38.5 million visitors marked a 7.5 percent decline, lowest since 2021.
- Conventions stayed flat at 6 million amid broader drops.
- 2026 mega-events position Las Vegas for growth.
Las Vegas demonstrated adaptability through a tough year, setting the stage for renewed momentum. Industry watchers anticipate these high-profile draws will restore vibrancy to the Strip. What events excite you most for a 2026 trip? Tell us in the comments.
