Las Vegas is actively seeking to recapture Canadian tourists, who have traditionally represented its largest international visitor market, as escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada threaten to exacerbate a downturn in tourism.
According to preliminary figures from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), Canadian arrivals dropped by over 17 percent in 2025, with approximately 1.2 million Canadians visiting, a decrease from nearly 1.5 million the previous year. This decline has Las Vegas officials concerned that further deterioration in relations could deepen the slump.
President Donald Trump recently intensified the trade dispute by threatening to increase tariffs on Canadian vehicles, auto parts, and steel to 50 percent, effective January 1, 2027. His public statements, including a post on Truth Social stating, "WE DON'T NEED CANADA, THEY NEED US!", have done little to encourage cross-border travel.
In response, Las Vegas tourism representatives have launched a concerted effort to reassure Canadian travelers. The LVCVA's president and CEO, Steve Hill, met with Canadian travel advisors in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton to emphasize the city's appreciation for its northern neighbors. "We're here to make sure you know that we care about Canada," Hill stated, adding, "We know that Canada loves Las Vegas. We love Canada right back!"
Several Las Vegas casinos are offering special promotions to incentivize Canadian visitors. Since January, properties like Circa Resort & Casino, the D Las Vegas, and Golden Gate Hotel & Casino have been running a "Vegas At Par" promotion. This offer provides eligible Canadian visitors with a one-to-one exchange rate on select hotel, gaming, and beverage purchases, effectively treating C$1 as US$1 for qualifying transactions. The promotion, which runs through August 31, has reportedly generated over 75,000 Canadian visits and significant revenue for the participating resorts. The deal even includes discounted helicopter tours over the Strip.
MGM Resorts International is also engaging Canadian travelers with package deals at properties such as Luxor and Excalibur, offering accommodations, meals, and entertainment starting at $330 for two people. MGM CEO and president Bill Hornbuckle reiterated the company's commitment, stating, "We want to remind our friends in Canada that we're still here, and we understand the concerns they have, but we're continuing to make the city better every day."
Las Vegas is increasingly leveraging major events and attracting high-end visitors to offset broader tourism declines. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, for instance, has reportedly generated around $3.2 billion for the local economy over its first three years. The city is also diversifying its appeal by promoting concerts, sports, dining, conventions, and nightlife, in addition to its casinos.
Air Canada is also participating, offering discounts on select Las Vegas flight-and-hotel packages. For tourism officials, rebuilding relationships with travel agents is key, especially as Canadian travelers often book trips on shorter notice. Despite the ongoing political and trade friction, Las Vegas appears committed to preserving its crucial relationship with the Canadian travel market.