Las Vegas tourism leaders are ramping up efforts to bring Canadian visitors back to the city after a sharp decline in arrivals this year. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), led by CEO Steve Hill, recently conducted a sales mission in Vancouver, British Columbia, to restore relationships with one of its most important international markets.

Canada has long been the top international source of visitors to Las Vegas, with more than 1.4 million Canadians traveling to the city in 2024. But arrivals have dropped in recent months, largely due to political tensions after President Donald Trump suggested annexing Canada as the “51st state of the U.S.,” triggering a wave of Canadian boycotts against U.S. destinations.

“A portion of our friends in Canada are not happy with us right now,” Hill admitted at a press briefing. “We want them to come back, but we understand they may not be ready to do that.”

To counteract the downturn, the LVCVA is working closely with Canadian airlines WestJet and Air Canada on new travel packages. Caesars Entertainment also unveiled a $300 “Las Vegas getaway package” that bundles a two-night stay with a $200 food and beverage credit, including all taxes and resort fees. Other hotels are preparing similar incentives, while the LVCVA plans to launch a marketing campaign addressing concerns over high prices and resort fees.

The effort comes as Las Vegas faces broader challenges. International passenger arrivals are down nearly 2 percent through July, with Canadian carriers reporting an 18 percent drop in travelers. By contrast, airlines from Mexico and the United Kingdom have posted 9 percent gains.

Should the decline continue, Canadian visitation could fall by 20 percent in 2025, equating to 280,000 fewer visitors. Still, Hill expressed optimism after meeting with Canadian travel media and industry leaders. “Our message to them is, ‘We’re here, the city keeps improving and creating new experiences. We’re ready when you’re ready.’”

Meanwhile, other U.S. destinations are also vying for Canadian travelers. California launched the “Californians Love Canada” campaign, offering discounts of up to 25 percent at hundreds of hotels, while New York has rolled out similar incentives.

Beyond the political issues, social media criticism has fueled perceptions that Las Vegas has become too expensive, particularly with resort and parking fees. Hill hinted that upcoming campaigns will tackle these concerns head-on, alongside new partnership initiatives with resort CEOs.

Despite the downturn, there are positive signs on the Strip. Resorts World Las Vegas reported an 8 percent revenue increase in the second quarter of 2025 compared with the previous quarter, thanks to new leadership, free parking, the elimination of resort fees, and a revitalized VIP gaming program.

Hill remains confident in the city’s future. “We’re going through a downturn, and we’re not happy to be going through it,” he said. “But we are optimistic about what lies ahead. Las Vegas has always shown resilience, and we are ready to welcome Canadians back when the time comes.”