Daijiworld Media Network – Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Dec 20: The iconic Las Vegas Strip, long known for its bright lights, bustling casinos and value-driven vacations, is witnessing a noticeable dip in tourist footfall, with rising costs emerging as a major deterrent for visitors.
Andy Zimmerman, chief financial officer of the famed Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, says a new category of visitors has begun to emerge — those he calls “one-and-none.”
“They come to Vegas, they’re unhappy with the cost, they make one trip and don’t come back,” Zimmerman told The Epoch Times.
According to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, more than 32 million people visited the city between January and October, marking a 7.6 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2024. July recorded the steepest fall, with visitor numbers dropping 12 per cent year-on-year, translating to nearly half a million fewer tourists.
Zimmerman recalled a time when Las Vegas thrived on affordability and energy, with packed hotels and casinos around the clock. However, he said that in the current tight economic climate, tourists are increasingly put off by high prices and a growing list of hidden charges.
“Vegas was built on value,” he said, adding that it was once a destination where visitors of any budget could feel like high rollers. Today, travellers face resort fees, parking charges, early check-in costs and extra fees for basic services.
Local businessman Gill Hayon echoed similar concerns, stating that visitors no longer feel they get value for money.
“Vegas was a town of comps — free goods and services. If you were gambling, you were rewarded,” he said. “You could have a dream vacation on any budget.”
Zimmerman said corporate pricing strategies adopted by large casino hotels post-COVID-19 have altered the Strip’s appeal. “There are all kinds of added fees now, and customers aren’t used to it,” he noted.
He pointed out that where buffet meals once cost under $5, a single dish like chicken parmesan at a well-known Strip hotel can now cost over $50. Similarly, hotel stays advertised at bargain rates often swell significantly once resort fees, parking and taxes are added. Even basic necessities like bottled water may cost up to $10, he said.
Despite the concerns, Jonathan Jossel, CEO of Plaza Hotel and Casino, believes the situation is not as dire as portrayed. He said Las Vegas experienced record tourism growth in the years following the pandemic, and such growth is not sustainable indefinitely.
“Just because we aren’t seeing record numbers now doesn’t mean Las Vegas is dead,” Jossel said, adding that his hotel has remained busy. He stressed that the city must continue offering reasons for tourists to visit beyond special events.
In recent years, Las Vegas has diversified its appeal with professional sports and large-scale events. The city welcomed the NFL’s Raiders in 2020, while the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights began playing in 2017. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, held earlier this month, attracted thousands of visitors and generated millions in revenue.
Interestingly, while tourism numbers dipped in 2025, gaming revenues told a different story. According to Gambling Insider, Nevada’s gaming revenue rose by $652.1 million, a 2 per cent increase for the fiscal year, with total gambling revenue touching $1.2 billion — a 5.5 per cent rise year-on-year. Baccarat alone contributed over $115 million.
As Las Vegas navigates changing visitor expectations and rising costs, industry insiders say restoring the city’s reputation for value may be key to reviving its legendary appeal.