Las Vegas Tourism Projected to Rebound by 2026

Las Vegas tourism is projected to rebound significantly by 2026, with estimates suggesting an increase of one million visitors compared to the current year. According to the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, the city is expected to host approximately 40.1 million visitors in 2026.

This follows a forecasted decline in 2025, where visitation is anticipated to drop to 39.1 million, a six percent decrease from previous levels. The report highlights that while visitor volume is expected to rebound, gaming revenue is projected to decline by 1.7 percent this year and further by three percent in 2026.

Experts attribute the anticipated rebound to the growth of professional sports in the area, including teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, and Las Vegas Aces. The construction of a new $2 billion baseball stadium on the Strip and the return of major events such as Formula One is also expected to enhance visitation.

Angeline Close Scheinbaum, a sports marketing professor at Clemson, emphasized the importance of sports in diversifying Las Vegas' economy, stating that the city is no longer reliant solely on gambling.

The report also indicates that the local economy is affected by national economic trends, with consumer spending and unemployment rates playing significant roles in tourism. CBER Director Andrew Woods noted that resorts are adjusting their pricing strategies to offer better value to visitors, acknowledging that high costs have deterred some travelers.

While group bookings for conventions are expected to rise, concerns about consumer confidence remain. Gus Faucher, chief economist at The PNC Financial, pointed out that Las Vegas embodies discretionary spending, meaning that vacations there are influenced heavily by consumers' economic confidence.

The report suggests that while Las Vegas is stabilizing, the economy will likely experience a mild contraction through 2027 due to broader economic conditions. Despite these challenges, the diversification of attractions beyond gaming is seen as a positive move for the city's long-term growth strategy.

Overall, the outlook for Las Vegas tourism remains cautiously optimistic, with experts recognizing the significant role of sporting events and adjusted pricing in driving future visitation.