Las Vegas Mayor Appeals to Canadian Tourists Amid Declining Numbers

 

Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley has made a direct appeal to Canadian travelers, stressing that the city’s tourism-driven economy is facing mounting challenges due to a sharp fall in international arrivals. Canada, which has traditionally been the city’s strongest international market, has seen one of the steepest declines.

 

Speaking at a press conference this week, Berkley urged Canadian visitors to return. “As the mayor of Las Vegas, I am asking all our friends in Canada to come back. We love you, we need you, and we miss you,” she said, while outlining the hurdles currently confronting the city’s entertainment and hospitality sector.

 

Her comments build on earlier warnings voiced in August, where she described the downturn in stark terms. “International travel has dropped significantly. Our Canadian market, once flowing strongly, has slowed to a trickle. Mexico has seen a similar trend, with fewer high-spending visitors choosing Las Vegas,” she explained at the time.

 

Recent figures underline the seriousness of the situation. The city welcomed just under 3.1 million visitors in June, reflecting an 11 percent decline compared with the same month in 2024. International arrivals fell by 13 percent, while hotel occupancy slipped by roughly 15 percent, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

 

The Canadian market in particular has contracted sharply. Data from Harry Reid International Airport shows Air Canada passenger numbers fell 33 percent in June year-on-year, while WestJet recorded a 31 percent decrease. Low-cost carrier Flair Airlines experienced the steepest decline, with passenger volumes down 62 percent. In 2024, nearly 1.5 million Canadians traveled to Las Vegas, making them the largest segment of international visitors.