Canadian tourists abandon Las Vegas for international destinations amid trade tensions
As trade disputes and political tensions strain U.S.-Canada relations, Canadian travelers are increasingly bypassing traditional American destinations like Las Vegas in favor of international alternatives, creating significant economic concerns for Sin City’s tourism industry.
The Canadian exodus
New data from Flight Centre Canada reveals a dramatic shift in Canadian travel patterns, with spending on international destinations skyrocketing:
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: up 148%
- Osaka, Japan: up 137%
- Copenhagen, Denmark: up 112%
- Curaçao, Caribbean: up 101%
- Lisbon, Portugal: up 61%
Meanwhile, Las Vegas is experiencing a sharp decline in Canadian visitors. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), Air Canada passengers dropped 13.9% and WestJet flyers fell 18.4% through April 2025 compared to the previous year.
Trade war impact
The decline coincides with escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada. Many Canadians cite President Trump’s tariff threats and annexation rhetoric as primary reasons for avoiding American destinations.
“I just don’t really want to support them right now. If they’re going to do that to us, I don’t want to give any money to them,” said Kelly Bergquist, an Edmonton resident who previously visited the U.S. annually but is now planning trips to Mexico and the Balkans instead.
Flight Centre reported a 40% plunge in Canadian leisure bookings to the U.S. in February 2025, with forward summer bookings down over 70%.
Economic consequences for Las Vegas
Canada represents Las Vegas’ largest international market, with 1.4 million visitors in 2023 accounting for approximately 30% of all international tourism. The economic impact of their absence is substantial:
- A 10% reduction in Canadian travel could mean $2.1 billion in lost spending nationally
- Small businesses particularly affected, including outdoor adventure companies
- Casino revenues and hotel occupancy rates declining
- Service industry workers seeing reduced tips and hours
“Canada is one of our best clients,” said Jared Fisher, owner of Escape Adventures, which offers tours to Red Rock Canyon and other attractions. “They’re willing to sacrifice that right now.”
Alternative destinations gain
As Canadians redirect their travel plans, other countries are actively courting them:
Japan: Saw 335,400 Canadian visitors January-June 2025, up 23% from 2024
Portugal: Canadian visitors increased 6.5% in early 2025
Brazil: Welcomed 12.9% more Canadian tourists in the first half of 2025
Mexico: Marival Group resorts report 5-6% increase in Canadian guests, representing about 15,000 additional visitors
Safety and welcome concerns
Beyond economic factors, many Canadians express concerns about feeling unwelcome in the current U.S. political climate.
“Canadians do like to travel in general. But we’re also seeing that Canadians are changing their travel patterns to go to places where they feel comfortable and welcome,” said Wayne Smith, director of the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Las Vegas fights back
The LVCVA and local businesses are implementing targeted campaigns to win back Canadian visitors:
- Special promotions during NHL playoffs
- Complimentary refreshments for Canadian airline passengers
- Showgirls and Elvis greeting arrivals at the airport
- Direct outreach to Canadian tour operators
However, with political tensions showing no signs of easing and alternative destinations offering competitive value, Las Vegas faces an uphill battle to restore its Canadian visitor numbers.
Long-term outlook
Local economist Mike PeQueen warns that Las Vegas tourism leaders are “watching this very, very closely” in corporate boardrooms across the city. With rates in Las Vegas increasingly seen as expensive and aggressive, combined with political tensions and border security concerns, experts predict this may not be a short-term pattern.
As one British Columbia resident told The Nevada Independent: “How would you feel if another country said what your government has said about us? Friends shouldn’t be treated like this.”
Image Sources: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/forget-vegas-florida-canadians-skipping-080000195.html
Category: Business
Subcategory: Tourism & Hospitality
Date: 08/08/2025
