Las Vegas Joins Major U.S. Cities Facing Steep declines in Tourism: What You Need to Know
Introduction: A Troubling Trend in U.S. Tourism
In 2025, iconic U.S. cities like Las Vegas, Miami, New York, Washington, Los Angeles, and Orlando grappled with significant declines in tourism, marking a critical shift in the global travel landscape. Factors such as rising costs, political concerns, and an increasing global hesitation to travel have converged to impact these normally bustling destinations, leaving them struggling to attract visitors.
Las Vegas: The Biggest Drop in International Visitors
Las Vegas, known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment, has faced the steepest decline among U.S. cities, reporting a staggering 9.8% drop in international air travel by June 2025. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority noted an overall 11% decrease in visitors year-on-year. The downturn is largely attributed to a sharp decline in Canadian tourists and a growing perception of the city being costly for travelers. Complaints about "nickel-and-diming" in entertainment and gaming experiences have intensified, causing potential visitors to rethink their plans to visit.
Miami: Global Hesitation Hurts Tourism
Similarly, Miami reported a 10.5% decline in international air traffic during May 2025, followed by a 4.5% downturn in June. The city’s reliance on Canadian and Latin American visitors has made it particularly susceptible to global anxieties regarding travel safety and political dynamics. Concerns about U.S. immigration policies and a complex entry process have led many potential travelers in neighboring countries to reconsider their journeys, marking a troubling trend for Miami’s tourism sector.
New York City: A Tourist Exodus Looms
In New York City, officials anticipate a jaw-dropping 17% drop in international visitors in 2025. The NYC Tourism + Conventions board projects that the city could welcome around 2 million fewer foreign tourists, primarily due to international travelers’ growing unease around the evolving U.S. immigration landscape. Furthermore, skyrocketing costs associated with accommodations, dining, and attractions have made the Big Apple less appealing as a travel destination.
Washington, D.C.: Politics Dampen Global Interest
Washington, D.C. has also witnessed a concerning decline in foreign visitors, particularly from key European markets like Germany and France. Local tourism officials have noted reduced bookings, attributing this trend to changing perceptions around U.S. political behavior and immigration policies. The capital’s historical significance, once a magnet for international tourists, now faces skepticism as travelers prioritize safety and political stability.
Los Angeles: Decline in Foreign Arrivals
Los Angeles is expected to see around a 9.2% decrease in international visitors in 2025. Factors such as high travel costs, coupled with diminished global interest exacerbated by political sentiment, are discouraging foreign trips to California’s iconic attractions. Local tourism boards have expressed concerns over the continued impact of these factors, signaling broader challenges facing California’s tourism ecosystem.
Orlando: Theme Parks Feel the Global Shift
Orlando’s famed theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, have also felt the brunt of declining visitor numbers. The city saw a decline of approximately 3.8% in international air traffic in June 2025. Orlando’s strong reliance on family travel from abroad means that shifts in global tourism dynamics—highlighted by economic factors and changing family travel preferences—hit particularly hard at this family-oriented destination.
Buffalo: Canada’s Border Blunders Hit Tourism
Buffalo, New York, traditionally a favored shopping destination for Canadians, is experiencing a decline in tourism resulting from increased tariffs and a less welcoming environment due to current U.S. policies. The relationship between Buffalo and its Canadian neighbors has weakened, leaving local businesses dependent on cross-border tourism struggling to maintain their viability. This economic slowdown underscores how diplomatic relationships can directly affect local tourism industries.
A Broader Perspective: U.S. International Tourism Decline
According to data from the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) and the International Trade Administration (ITA), U.S. tourism is on a downturn, with international arrivals down 2.4% through the early months of 2025. Projections suggest international inbound bookings may decrease by 10-14% this year alone, driven primarily by a 35.6-43.0% drop in Canadian air bookings. The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) emphasizes that tourism spending plays a crucial role in the economy, hinting at broader implications for cities reliant on inbound travel.
In summary, the tourism sectors in Las Vegas, Miami, New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Orlando, and Buffalo highlight a complex interplay of factors leading to this significant downturn. The reality of rising costs, political anxiety, and shifting global travel trends paints a challenging picture for the U.S. tourism landscape in 2025.