LAS VEGAS- A viral video showing empty aisles at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas has sparked concerns about declining US tourism in 2025. Social media posts and industry reports highlight a significant drop in international visitors, impacting key travel hubs.
United Airlines (UA) and other carriers at LAS report lower passenger numbers, with economic losses projected to reach billions. This article explores the reasons behind the decline and its effects on the US travel industry.
Photo: Harry Reid International AirportLas Vegas Tourism Declining in 2025
In the now-viral clip posted on social platform X (formerly Twitter), tourist Jake Broe documented his solitary walk through LAS, one of the busiest airports in the US.
He remarked that he didn’t see another traveler until reaching the TSA PreCheck line. Onboard his United Airlines (UA) flight, Broe noted that the plane was less than one-third full, an unusual sight for a major domestic route.
Las Vegas is dead. I have never seen the parking garage at the airport this empty and I did not see another person until I made it to the TSA PreCheck line in the terminal. pic.twitter.com/gp2lG3qsRn
— Jake Broe (@RealJakeBroe) August 2, 2025
This rare travel experience aligns with recently published statistics. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), hotel occupancy in the city has dropped 6.5%, and average daily room rates have declined from $194 to $163.
Furthermore, the airport saw a 41% year-over-year decline in passenger traffic, an alarming signal for the region’s tourism-dependent economy.
Forbes, citing data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), reported that US tourism could face a $29 billion loss due to policy-related disruptions and declining global perception. These changes are already being felt in key tourist hubs like Las Vegas.
Phot by Mattsjc – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=125721897Tourist Sentiment Reflects Dissatisfaction
Responses to Broe’s video were swift and telling. Many users expressed shared frustrations with visiting the US, citing expensive travel costs, difficult visa processes, and unwelcoming treatment by immigration officials.
Some international travelers indicated they were choosing alternate destinations, like Japan, over the US due to a more tourist-friendly environment.
One user noted the absence of out-of-state license plates in Florida, attributing it to similar travel deterrents. Others criticized US immigration policies, stating that fear of detention or mistreatment is pushing global travelers away.
Many also pointed to rising prices and diminished value for money as major turn-offs for tourists.
Conversely, some questioned the timing and validity of the video, suggesting it may have been filmed before peak hours or during an off-season.
However, those arguments don’t fully counteract the broader trend of declining tourism nationwide.
Photo by elisfkc2 – Kansas City International Airport New Terminal, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=136488082Factors Behind the Decline
A World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) study revealed the US was the only nation to report declining international visitors in 2025.
The study estimated that the country would lose $12.5 billion in tourist spending compared to the previous year. Tourism Economics revised its forecast to predict an 8.2% drop in international inbound travel for 2025.
Key reasons for the downturn include:
- High visa fees and opaque rejection policies
- Rising airfares and lodging costs
- Political instability and anti-immigration rhetoric
- Increased global competition from more welcoming destinations
Canadians, who made up 25% of international travelers to the U.S. in 2024, cut back travel by nearly 40% within a year. These shifts illustrate how perception, policy, and pricing deeply impact tourism.
Photo: Denver AirportFuture Outlook
Despite current challenges, the US hospitality industry remains cautiously optimistic. Several industry leaders expect international arrivals to rebound in late 2025 and into 2026, supported by marketing campaigns, eased visa protocols, and economic adjustments.
Las Vegas could see a revival as global conditions stabilize and consumer confidence rebuilds.
However, stakeholders agree that meaningful changes in policy and public image will be necessary to drive long term recovery.
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Airlines Offering Low Fares as European Visitors to US Decline by 17%
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