Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 | 2 a.m.
### Las Vegas Grand Prix: A Race to Revitalize Tourism
Las Vegas is gearing up for an exciting weekend as the Grand Prix returns, aiming to reignite the city’s international tourism scene. With officials expecting around 100,000 attendees daily during the three-day event, their optimism is not unfounded. Emily Prazer, the president and CEO of Las Vegas Grand Prix Inc., points out that the attendance figures are in line with what they’ve seen in previous years, though there’s a noticeable uptick in interest from abroad.
### A Global Affair
The Grand Prix is attracting spectators not just from the local areas of California and Arizona, but also from Mexico, Canada, and various countries across Europe. This year, the anticipated demographic breakdown indicates a visitor ratio of 60% domestic to 40% international. Prazer emphasizes the importance of this diversity in the audience: “If you’re looking for destination marketing to drive international tourism back to Las Vegas, we feel like we’re in pole position to assist with that.”
### Tourism on the Decline
Despite the optimism surrounding the Grand Prix, it’s crucial to consider the broader tourism landscape. From January to September of this year, Las Vegas saw a decrease of 2.5 million visitors compared to the previous year. The steepest decline was seen in international arrivals, which fell by 13.5%. Factors contributing to this downturn include the waning travel confidence due to past immigration policies, increased visa fees, and rising costs associated with a trip to Sin City, such as food and entertainment.
### Resilience in Ticket Sales
Interestingly, while overall tourism faces challenges, ticket sales for the Grand Prix remain robust. Prazer notes, “Canada and Mexico have been a huge market for us; we haven’t seen a dip in our ticket sales.” This suggests that the event still has strong pull, even in a struggling market. Marta Soligo, an assistant professor at UNLV and director of tourism research, adds a layer of realism, claiming that while the race will temporarily boost tourist numbers, the impact may not be lasting.
### The Formula One Boom
Formula One’s reputation in the U.S. has exploded in recent years, largely thanks to the success of Netflix’s “Formula 1: Drive to Survive.” Since its debut in 2019, the series has captivated a new audience, contributing to a significant jump in viewership and interest in F1 events. A 2022 survey revealed that 28% of American adults consider themselves fans of the sport, with over half attributing their newfound enthusiasm to the documentary series. This uptick in domestic interest may help offset international declines during the Grand Prix.
### A Canvas of Experiences
This year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix is pacing significantly ahead in ticket sales compared to last year. Beyond conventional race experiences, organizers have tailored ticket options and fan engagement activities, incorporating local culture. Partnerships with Disney and Sanrio’s Hello Kitty, an all-female racing series, and local Girl Scout cookie sales add a community touch to this high-octane event.
### Expanding the Experience
In an effort to broaden their offerings, the race organizers have planned several ancillary events, including a celebrity golf tournament and a community Pit Lane walk, providing local children with unique access to race drivers. These activities aim to enrich the Grand Prix experience, encouraging local and regional participation.
### The Spectacle of Las Vegas
The breathtaking backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip enhances the event’s appeal. In 2023, racers praised the immersive atmosphere that accompanied the inaugural race, highlighted by dramatic finishes and extraordinary pyrotechnics. Comments from former CEO Renee Wilm suggest that the Las Vegas setting provides a unique canvas for a global sporting event that simply couldn’t be replicated elsewhere.
### The Glamour Factor
With glamour and high-end hospitality at the forefront, the Las Vegas Grand Prix seeks to blend its unique attributes with an unforgettable sporting experience. Wilm had once stated that bringing this iconic race to Las Vegas was all about creating an “epic sporting event.” It appears that vision remains alive as the city aims to forge new paths toward revitalizing its tourism sector.