The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has revealed that 3.09 million individuals visited Las Vegas in September 2025, marking an 8.8 percent decrease compared to the 3.38 million visitors in the same month of the previous year. This decline in visitors is mirrored by a significant drop in convention attendance, which fell to 428,400, a decrease of 18.7 percent from the prior year.
Key factors contributing to the decline include the absence of the quadrennial mining industry event, MINExpo, which had been a significant draw in September 2024. Additionally, the calendar shift for Oracle CloudWorld, which was held in October this year instead of September, further impacted the visitor numbers. These shifts illustrate the importance of large conventions and events to the Las Vegas economy. “Without the buzzing crowd of MINExpo and the excitement of Oracle CloudWorld, the city felt a bit quieter this September,” seemed to be the general sentiment around town.
Hotel metrics also reflected this downturn. Overall hotel occupancy fell to 78.7 percent, a drop of 5.2 percentage points. The average daily rate (ADR) for hotel rooms was $191, down 2.9 percent from the previous year. Weekend occupancy remained relatively stable at 90.3 percent, a slight decrease from 90.4 percent, while midweek occupancy saw a more pronounced decline, falling to 74.4 percent from 81.1 percent in September 2024.
The iconic Las Vegas Strip saw hotel occupancy rates decrease to 81.3 percent from 87 percent, while Downtown Las Vegas hotels experienced a drop in occupancy to 67.4 percent from 74.1 percent. These figures underscore the challenges faced by the hospitality sector as it adapts to fluctuating visitor numbers and changing event schedules.
In tandem with the decline in visitor numbers, Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport reported handling 4.45 million passengers in September, representing a 6.4 percent decrease compared to the same month last year. This decline in airport traffic is often a bellwether for broader tourism trends, as it reflects both domestic and international travel patterns to the city.
While the numbers indicate a current struggle, some industry observers note that Las Vegas has a long history of resilience and adaptability. The city is known for its ability to attract visitors through a diverse array of entertainment options, gaming experiences, and convention offerings. “Las Vegas has seen its fair share of ups and downs,” one local remarked, hinting at the city’s potential to rebound in the coming months.
In response to the current challenges, the LVCVA recently appointed Dan Hayes as the new chief operating officer (COO). Hayes is set to spearhead the agency’s operations, focusing on expansion and renovation initiatives, and overseeing broader operational strategy and planning. This leadership change signals an intent to revitalize and adapt to the evolving tourism landscape.
From the perspective of some analysts, the recent downturn might also highlight an opportunity for Las Vegas to diversify its appeal beyond traditional conventions and gaming. The city could look to expand its portfolio of attractions to include more cultural and recreational options, potentially broadening its appeal to a wider audience. Las Vegas has long been a place of reinvention, and this might be a pivotal moment for the city to explore new avenues for growth.
Conversely, others argue that the current situation is a temporary setback, largely caused by the unique scheduling changes of major events. They contend that once these events return to their usual calendar slots, visitor numbers will likely rebound. “It’s a blip rather than a trend,” suggested an industry insider, pointing out that the city’s fundamentals remain strong.
The broader economic context also plays a role in shaping the tourism outlook. With the global economy navigating through uncertainties, travel and tourism are often among the sectors most sensitive to broader economic shifts. Fluctuations in disposable income and consumer confidence can significantly impact travel decisions, thereby influencing visitor numbers to destinations like Las Vegas.
As the city looks forward, there are reasons to remain optimistic. The ongoing development of new entertainment venues, restaurants, and attractions continues to enhance Las Vegas’s appeal as a premier leisure destination. Moreover, with the planned return of large-scale events and conventions in the near future, there is potential for a rebound as these events often serve as significant drivers of both domestic and international tourism.
In conclusion, while September’s visitor statistics present a challenging picture for Las Vegas, the city’s history of resilience and capacity for innovation suggest that it can navigate these challenges. Whether through strategic leadership changes, diversifying its offerings, or capitalizing on future events, Las Vegas remains poised to continue its legacy as a leading global destination. The coming months will likely be critical in determining how the city adapts and thrives amid these evolving circumstances.
David Garato is a luminary in gaming journalism, renowned for peeling back the curtain on the gaming world with his witty and insightful commentary. A decade into weaving stories from the pixelated edges of indie games to the expansive universes of AAA titles, David’s work is a thrilling blend of analysis and adventure. When not writing, he’s live-streaming, sharing his gaming exploits with an engaged and growing audience. David doesn’t just write about games; he lives them, making him a trusted guide in the gaming community.
