Las Vegas isn’t just about flashy lights and poker chips. It runs on tourism – big time. Every hotel room, restaurant, and Cirque du Soleil show depends on people flying in, spending money, and soaking up that one-of-a-kind Vegas vibe. But heading into the next year, there’s a growing worry: what if fewer people come?
That’s exactly what the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is preparing for as it gets ready to plan its 2025-26 budget. And let’s be honest—if Vegas feels a pinch, it’s not just the casinos that’ll notice. From Uber drivers to nightclub promoters, everyone gets hit.
Let’s break down what’s going on—and why it matters.
People might be feeling a bit skint next year
So, here’s the deal. The LVCVA, which handles everything from giant trade shows to flashy Vegas ads, is thinking ahead. They’re looking at early signs of what could be a drop in tourism revenue next year. And it’s not because Vegas suddenly got boring. It’s because of the economy.
Basically, people are tightening their belts. Interest rates have been up for a while, prices are still pretty high for everyday stuff, and there’s a general feeling of “maybe we shouldn’t splash out on a big trip right now.” That nervous energy is creeping into holiday plans—and that’s not great for a place like Las Vegas, which thrives on people spending big.
The Strip might still be packed, but spending could be down
Just because there are crowds doesn’t mean everyone’s spending the same. You might still see packed sidewalks outside Caesars Palace or the Bellagio fountains, but inside the hotels, the money being made per visitor might be lower. People might skip the fancy dinner, gamble less, or choose cheaper shows.
Think about it like this: someone might still go on a Vegas trip, but instead of dropping £200 at a club, they hit a dive bar and call it a night. When thousands of people do that, it adds up fast.
The LVCVA’s budget might take a hit
The LVCVA board is set to meet next month to look over their budget for the 2025-26 financial year. And they’re bracing for lower revenue, since they get most of their money from hotel room taxes. If fewer people book, or if they stay for shorter trips, the tax income goes down. Simple maths.
And it’s not just holiday-goers they’re watching. Conventions are big money too. From tech expos to fashion shows, these events fill thousands of rooms in one go. If companies start cutting back on travel for staff or scaling down events, that’s a huge loss.
Could Trump’s new tariffs make things worse?
This part’s a bit tricky, but worth mentioning. There’s some concern about how Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, if he wins the presidency again, might impact international tourism and convention business. If goods and services get more expensive between the US and other countries, companies might rethink sending teams to Vegas for events. Or international tourists might find it harder (or pricier) to come over.
Vegas might feel far from the White House, but politics still plays a role in how well the Strip does.
Flamingo’s new pool is still on the way
Even with the budget worries, there are still projects moving ahead. One highlight is the renovation of the GO Pool at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Renderings of the upgraded complex show something pretty flashy—think palm trees, pool parties, and that classic retro vibe the Flamingo is known for. No official opening date’s been announced yet, but it’s clearly part of the plan to keep the party going, even if budgets are tight.
How many people actually visit Vegas each year?
To give some context—Las Vegas draws in around 40 million visitors a year. That’s more than the population of Canada. Even a small dip in that number can hit hard.
But it’s not just about counting heads. It’s about how much each of those people spends. If visitor numbers stay high, but everyone’s spending less, that’s still a problem. Especially for businesses that rely on tips, upgrades, or VIP packages.
New Vegas Loop station opens… but will people use it?
Here’s a bit of good news: The Vegas Loop—that underground tunnel system with Tesla rides—just opened another station along the Strip. It’s meant to make it easier to get from one spot to another without the stress of traffic. Cool idea, and very Elon Musk-ish.
But if fewer people are coming to town, or if spending’s down, it’s fair to ask: how much use will it get? Only time will tell.
So, what’s next for Vegas?
Vegas always bounces back—it’s part of its charm. After all, this is a city built in the desert, powered by imagination (and slot machines). But the next year could feel a bit like a hangover after a wild party.
If the LVCVA’s predictions are right, 2025-26 might be about weathering the storm, not chasing record-breaking numbers. That means smarter marketing, more value-for-money experiences, and maybe even a bit of patience.
Still, if history tells us anything—it’s that you can’t count Las Vegas out for long.
Quick recap:
- LVCVA is prepping its 2025-26 budget with a possible dip in tourism money.
- Economic jitters mean people may spend less—even if they still visit.
- Big attractions like the Flamingo’s new GO Pool are still in progress.
- The Vegas Loop keeps expanding, even with uncertain foot traffic.
- Trump’s potential tariffs could shake up international tourism and conventions.
Vegas might be rolling the dice in 2025. Let’s see how it lands.
