Mounting prices in Las Vegas, Nevada, have been cited as one of the key difficulties for tourists and possibly one of the drivers of a downturn in tourism as a whole.
Las Vegas Locally, a prominent publication, reached out on its social media channel, X, and asked followers what the main reason for the drop in tourism in Las Vegas in 2025 was. The poll had four options: high prices, President Donald Trump’s policies, economic uncertainty, and "unsure."
High prices are the chief culprit for tourism’s dwindling numbers
Respondents agreed that high prices (68%) were the main reason why tourism had dropped, sharing anecdotal stories. A user called Donovan said that two rounds of Old Fashions at a random MGM Lobby Bar cost $125 with a 20% tip.
While some acknowledged Trump’s role in the drop in Canadian visitors, for instance, most agreed that prices were the key issue that held people back and away from spending at the Las Vegas casinos and resorts.
Another reason for concern has been the "tipping" culture, which has gone "out of control," according to some social media users. The discussion underneath the poll was remarkably politically neutral.
While personal dislike of President Trump showed in the occasional post, even detractors did not go so far as to blame him personally. One X user said that the situation would most likely be the same, regardless of who was president. "It’s honestly too expensive," lamented another.
Trump perhaps shares some of the blame, but far from all of it
Only 22.3% of respondents blamed President Trump’s policy, a jab at the Big Beautiful Bill, which local Democrats are fighting back against. Another 7.4% said that economic uncertainty was the factor that they saw as the biggest hurdle, while 2.2% couldn’t decide.
Social media users were remarkably prescient of the issue, arguing that it was a combination of factors, including the three factors suggested by Las Vegas Locally.
