Vegas tourism trends: Data defies political spin
Despite social media chatter hinting at a Las Vegas tourism downturn, the city welcomed 22.5–23 million visitors from January to July 2025, down from 2024’s record 25–26 million, yet matching or exceeding January–July totals of 2021–2023 and doubling 2020’s pandemic low, per Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) data. In 2024, Las Vegas hosted a record 41.7 million visitors, a significant leap from 2020’s 19 million, while Nevada’s 52 million visitors generated nearly $100 billion in economic impact. A decade of data, marked by record-breaking spending, a younger demographic, and a thriving convention scene, solidifies Las Vegas’ status as a global entertainment hub, countering claims of decline.
A Decade of Las Vegas Tourism: Highs, Lows, and Trends
From 2015 to 2019, Las Vegas saw steady tourism, with visitor counts consistently above 42 million, peaking at 42.9 million in 2016 when hotel occupancy hit a decade-high 91%. That year, 26% of visitors were first-timers, and the average stay was 3.5 nights. In 2019, visitor spending reached $36.9 billion, fueled by 6.6 million convention attendees and a record 149,422 hotel rooms.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 crippled tourism, slashing Las Vegas visitors to 19 million as resorts closed for 78 days. Only 16% were first-timers, and convention attendance plummeted to 1.7 million. Spending dropped to $29.6 billion, a sharp decline from 2019’s highs.
Recovery was swift. In 2021, 32.2 million visitors returned, with 20% arriving via tour buses, a quirky Vegas staple. Spending rebounded to $36.1 billion, and conventions surged 126.2% to nearly 5 million. By 2022, 38.8 million visitors pushed spending to $44.9 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, 40.8 million tourists generated a record $51.5 billion, with 79% gambling (averaging 3.2 hours daily) and 23% spending over $1,500 per trip. The total economic impact hit $85.2 billion, supporting 378,600 jobs.
In 2024, Las Vegas welcomed 41.7 million visitors, with 38.27 million recorded from January to November and an estimated 3.43 million in December. Convention attendance held steady at 6 million, and Harry Reid International Airport saw a record 58.4 million passengers. Hotel room inventory reached a historic 153,842, with an average daily rate of $191.29 and 83.5% occupancy. The Strip’s average daily rate soared 43% from 2019 ($143.31) to 2023 ($204.22), with 2024 rates climbing further.
Nevada’s Statewide Tourism
Beyond Las Vegas, Nevada’s tourism industry shone brightly in 2024, welcoming over 52 million visitors statewide, a significant milestone reported by Travel Nevada. The Nevada Resort Association pegged the industry’s total economic impact at $98 billion, accounting for 37% of the state’s GDP. Tourism supported 436,600 jobs—28% of Nevada’s workforce—generating $24.4 billion in wages and $2.4 billion in industry-specific taxes, including $1.2 billion in room tax collections. Visitor spending reached $56.8 billion, equating to $155 million daily, with gaming revenue contributing $15.8 billion.
Rural Nevada played a vital role, with state parks like Great Basin National Park hosting over 146,000 visitors and Nevada State Parks drawing 4.3 million in 2023. Outdoor recreation spending hit $1.7 billion, reflecting the appeal of regions like Cowboy Country, Reno-Tahoe, and Nevada Silver Trails. Rural room tax collections in 2023 rose 26.6% above pre-pandemic levels, signaling strong growth in areas like Elko, Pahrump, and Tonopah.
Nevada’s tourism infrastructure is set for further growth, with $18 billion in planned capital investments, including new resorts, entertainment venues, and projects like the Brightline high-speed train connecting Las Vegas to Los Angeles. Travel Nevada’s marketing efforts, funded by lodging taxes, have boosted rural and urban tourism, promoting authentic experiences from Reno’s urban playground to the vast public lands of Indian Territory.
Debunking the Decline Narrative
Recent X posts fueling fears of a Las Vegas tourism decline, pointing to a 13% drop in Canadian visitors in 2024 or a softer February 2025 versus 2023’s Super Bowl surge. LVCVA data shows Las Vegas welcomed 22.5–23 million visitors from January to July 2025, a dip from 2024’s 25–26 million, but the city’s trajectory remains strong. Compared to prior years—2023 (24–25 million), 2022 (23–24 million), 2021 (~18–19 million)—2025’s year-to-date aligns with 2022, and soars 20–25% above 2021’s recovery. With 2024’s record 41.7 million visitors and $100 billion economic impact outpacing 2023, speculative 2025 forecasts of just 36 million visitors crumble against robust conventions and projects like the $600M Convention Center renovation, proving Las Vegas’ enduring allure.
10-year tourism data for Las Vegas (2015–2024)
10-Year Historical Visitor Data for Las Vegas (2015–2024):
2015: 42.3 million visitors
A strong year for tourism, with high hotel occupancy rates (around 88%) and robust convention attendance. The average visitor age was approximately 47.7 years.
2016: 42.9 million visitors
Peak tourism year in the decade, with a record-breaking visitor count. Hotel occupancy reached 91%, the highest in the past 11 years. Key attractions included casinos, entertainment, and conventions.
2017: 42.2 million visitors
Slight decline from 2016 but still a strong year. Tourism remained stable, driven by gaming, conventions, and international visitors.
2018: 42.1 million visitors
Continued stability, with visitor numbers hovering above 42 million. International markets like Mexico, Canada, and the UK contributed significantly.
2019: 42.5 million visitors
Another strong pre-pandemic year, with total visitor spending peaking at $36.9 billion. Convention attendance hit 6.6 million, a decade high. Hotel room inventory was 149,422 in December.
2020: 19.0 million visitors
Sharp decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with resort closures for 78 days. Visitor spending dropped to $29.6 billion, and convention attendance fell to 1.7 million. Hotel room inventory was 143,177 in December.
2021: 32.2 million visitors
Recovery began as restrictions eased. Visitor spending rose to $36.1 billion, and convention attendance increased to nearly 5 million, a 126.2% jump from 2020. Average visitor age dropped to 43.2 years, and 80% were returning visitors.
2022: 38.8 million visitors
Continued recovery, approaching pre-pandemic levels. Visitor spending surged to $44.9 billion, exceeding 2019. Hotel average daily rate was $170.98, up 24.5% from 2021. Room inventory grew to 150,487 by December.
2023: 40.8 million visitors
Strong rebound, with visitor spending hitting a record $51.5 billion, a 14.7% increase from 2022. Convention attendance reached 6 million, and hotel occupancy was 83.5%. Total economic impact of tourism was $85.2 billion. Visitors included 989,000 from Mexico, 886,000 from Canada, and 482,000 from the UK.
2024: 41.7 million visitors
Visitor numbers surpassed 2023, with 38.27 million recorded from January to November and an estimated full-year total of 41.7 million. Convention attendance was 6 million, with 58.4 million passengers at Harry Reid International Airport. Room inventory hit a record 153,842, with an average daily rate of $191.29 and 83.5% occupancy.
Sources:
roadgenius.com
lasvegasjaunt.com
tourismanalytics.com
nchstats.com
