A federal government shutdown could cost the travel industry $1 billion a week and deliver a punishing blow to Las Vegas’ already faltering tourism economy, industry experts say, as mounting delays, unpaid airport workers and rising uncertainty deter visitors while Congress remains bitterly divided over keeping the government open.
The risks come at a precarious time for Las Vegas, where both visitor numbers and airport traffic have dropped sharply in 2025 — nearly 8% fewer people have come to the city through August, and Harry Reid International Airport has seen more than 1.7 million fewer travelers than last year.
With Congress gridlocked in Washington, industry leaders warn that even the threat of a shutdown could undermine consumer confidence and prolong Southern Nevada’s tourism slump, rippling out to hospitality jobs, local businesses and public revenues.
