Las Vegas Tourism Faces Criticism Over Rising Costs

Las Vegas is under scrutiny as visitors report feeling the city is becoming overpriced, with $9 coffees, expensive buffets, and a 70% surge in room rates dissuading middle-class travelers. Average nightly rates have jumped from $124 in 2015 to $210 in 2024, contributing to an 8.1% drop in hotel occupancy in July compared to 2024.

Many tourists say the fun of Vegas is fading under the weight of hidden costs and a shift toward upscale, exclusive offerings. As international visitors decline, especially from Canada due to poor exchange rates and global political tensions, the city’s value proposition is being questioned.

Amid the backlash, Vegas is leaning more heavily into celebrities, fine dining, and luxurious experiences. However, this shift risks alienating the middle-market demographics that once fueled its tourism engine.

Industry insiders worry that the city’s vision of luxury tourism may backfire if it continues to detach from broader traveler preferences and price sensitivities. Many simply feel Las Vegas is no longer fun for what it has become.

Still, bargain hunters may find relief through package deals and off-season promotions, which are somewhat softening the blow. Whether these tactics can preserve Vegas’s brand depends on maintaining balance between exclusivity and accessibility.

Despite challenges, some sectors—like sports-driven venues tied to UFC events—continue to draw crowds, providing hope that targeted attractions may help revitalize visitor interest.