Canadian travel to Las Vegas is declining significantly due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions towards Canada, causing a tourism slowdown in Las Vegas that is now a focal point in the upcoming midterm elections.
Nevada Democrats are seizing on this decline, attributing it to Trump’s trade policies and hostile remarks towards Canada, which is the primary source of international tourists for the state. They have labeled this trend as the “Trump Slump” and are highlighting it in their election campaign as a critical issue.
The Democrats, along with the influential Culinary Workers Union Local 226, representing around 60,000 casino and hospitality employees in Nevada, are linking the drop in Canadian tourism to local Trump supporters like Governor Joe Lombardo. They are emphasizing the negative impact on workers and families due to the strained relationship with Canada.
Visitor numbers, airport arrivals, and hotel occupancy rates in Las Vegas all experienced declines in August. Only about half of the rooms in downtown Las Vegas were occupied that month, with casino executives attributing the decrease in demand partially to the Canadian boycott.
The data reveals a substantial 17.4% decrease in Canadian visits to Las Vegas last year, marking one of the most significant drops on record. This decline has contributed to the largest visitor decrease outside of the COVID-19 pandemic since records began in 1970.
Furthermore, Canadian airlines are transporting even fewer passengers to Las Vegas in comparison to the previous year, indicating a potentially worsening situation. Industry leaders are urging Trump to take actions that will help revitalize international travel and support the struggling tourism sector.
The impact of reduced Canadian tourism is being felt by casino workers and businesses in Las Vegas, with reports of increased unemployment rates and shortened work hours. The Democrats are utilizing this situation to their advantage in the elections, while Republicans are defending Trump’s trade policies, highlighting the complexity of the issue in this crucial swing state.