What’s Really Happening in Las Vegas? A Traveler’s Look at the City’s Tourism Slump

Las Vegas: Where Did Everyone Go?

Picture this: It’s September 2025, and for seven months straight, fewer and fewer people are making their way to the bright lights and slot machines of Las Vegas. Industry leaders like MGM Resorts’ CEO Bill Hornbuckle are openly talking about the slump, and the entire travel world is watching. So what does all this mean if you’re planning a trip to Sin City?

The Not-So-Great: Costs Are Up, Energy Is Down

• Sticker Shock Everywhere: Hold onto your wallets—reports are popping up of eye-watering prices, like $33 for a bagel and $26 for bottled water. Resort fees and parking charges? Those are climbing too.
• That Vegas Buzz? A Bit Fainter: With fewer travelers, the city’s famous hustle and bustle has cooled. Dreamed of packed casinos and wild shows? You might find a lot more elbow room than energy these days.
• Big Names Gone Dark: Some classic hotels and attractions, like The Mirage and Tropicana, have closed or scaled back, leaving fewer options for visitors looking for that quintessential Vegas stay.

The Unexpected Perks: Space, Offers, and Shorter Lines

• Easy Breezy Getaways: Want to skip the lines? Now’s your chance. With less crowding, you get more space at the tables, restaurants, pools, and shows—perfect for travelers who prefer things a bit more chill.
• Deals and Discounts: To woo back visitors, hotels and resorts are rolling out perks like discounted rooms, free parking, and even resort credits. For the budget-conscious, this could mean a much more affordable Vegas trip.

What’s Going on Behind the Scenes?

• Hotels & Casinos: Fewer guests mean empty rooms and tighter budgets. Some staff are seeing fewer hours or layoffs, which could impact the usual level of service.
• Local Businesses: Shops, restaurants, and show venues are feeling the pinch. With less tourist money flowing in, some are reporting dips in sales, and a few may not make it through this rough patch.
• Online Bookings: Less demand means travel sites are getting creative with offers and pricing.

Looking Ahead: A Changing Vegas?

No one knows exactly what’s next. If the dip continues, experts say Vegas will have to find new ways to dazzle—maybe new attractions, better service, or smarter pricing. For now, the city’s famous lights are still on… just a little dimmer.