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Las Vegas remains a popular destination, but rising costs are dampening the allure for many visitors. With soaring hotel rates and expensive everyday items, such as $9 coffees, inflation has taken a toll on travel to this iconic city. In a recent report, CBS’s Andres Gutierrez highlights how the line for the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign is noticeably shorter this year as tourists face higher prices.
Returning visitors have noticed significant increases, with costs reportedly up by about 20% compared to last year. While convention attendance remains strong, casual tourism is on the decline. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported a 7.8% drop in visitor numbers in March and a 5.1% decrease in April, even as average nightly hotel rates reached $203.
The plunge in consumer confidence appears to be a major factor in this trend, alongside a decrease in international visitors who typically spend more time and money in the city. Locals and business owners have expressed frustration over road construction and closures, making travel around the city more cumbersome. Tour operators like Will and Donna Tryon from Adventure Photo Tours are feeling the pressure, with costs rising due to increased fuel and insurance expenses, reflecting the broader economic challenges that affect spending.
Despite the higher costs, some visitors are still willing to pay for premium experiences, such as concerts by major artists like Beyoncé and events at the new Sphere venue. The city continues to advertise a rich summer calendar filled with attractions, hoping to draw more tourists to experience Las Vegas, albeit at a higher price point.
