Canadian tourists are still reluctant to return to Las Vegas

Canadian travelers have historically been Las Vegas’ leading international source market, accounting for around 3% of total visitors in 2024. However, according to Las Vegas Tourism, the decline in this segment has been significant, largely driven by political tensions between the United States and Canada, which have begun to impact the travel industry.

The downturn dates back to last summer, when Canadian arrivals to Las Vegas fell by approximately 25%. The impact was particularly noticeable at Harry Reid International Airport, the main gateway for Canadian visitors, which recorded a sharp drop in arrivals from the northern neighbor.

As a result, key carriers serving this market, including WestJet and Air Canada, have been especially affected, as they traditionally concentrate much of the Canada–Las Vegas air traffic.

The decline is partly attributed to a boycott by Canadian travelers of the U.S. tourism industry, triggered by statements made by the U.S. president. While Las Vegas tourism has been hit by the drop in international arrivals, the destination is now focusing efforts on strengthening its appeal as a domestic travel destination.

Looking ahead, the U.S. travel industry is seeking to mitigate the impact through new air connectivity, including a route linking Hawaii and Las Vegas from summer 2026, to be operated by Southwest Airlines, as a strategy to offset the loss of international visitors.