Along with the year-over-year decline in gaming revenue on the Las Vegas Strip for the third month in a row, Las Vegas visitation continued its decline in April.
“It should be noted several Strip properties are renovating, which may impact foot traffic and room occupancy,” said Shelley Newell, senior economic analyst for the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported a 5.1% decline in visitation in April compared to April 2024. That’s 3.33 million visitors versus 3.51 million a year ago. For the year, visitation is down 6.5% or about 900,000 people.
The LVCVA said there was a strong convention and events segment, including Wrestlemania, counterbalanced by “consumer uncertainty with evolving federal policies.” Concerns about the economy and inflation over tariff policy have sparked concerns over travel.
The Harry Reid International Airport reported Wednesday that passenger counts fell 3.4% in April, with international travel down 3.4%. Their statistics showed double-digit declines from three Canadian airlines in April: Air Canada, WestJet, and Flair. Canada has been locked in a trade and political dispute with the U.S.
In contrast, vehicle travel across the California border on I-15 rose 7.7% in April.
A second bright spot in April was convention attendance that approached 574,000 attendees, up 13.9% year-over-year and benefitting from the in‐rotation of shows that were held elsewhere last year, including International Sign Expo, American Urological Association, and the Carwash Show.
During the month, occupancy reached 84.5%, down one point, with weekend occupancy of 93.8%, up 0.4 points, and midweek occupancy of 81.2%, down 1.4 points. Strip occupancy was down 0.4 points to 87.6%. Downtown occupancy was down 2.6 points to 72%.
Average daily room rates for the month reached $190, up 4.4% year over year, with revenue per room of $161, up 3.2%.
