Struggling Tourism Causes 50% Decline in Tips for Las Vegas Hospitality Workers
Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling tourism industry, is currently facing a significant downturn. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, this decline in tourism has had a profound impact on hospitality workers, with many struggling to make ends meet.
One of the factors contributing to this decline is the decrease in Canadian visitors. This reduction can be attributed to President Donald Trump's tariff policies, particularly the 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. These tariffs have led to a boycott against U.S. products and travel, resulting in a 55% decrease in Canadian tourists to Las Vegas.
The downturn is reflected in several indicators. Visitor numbers dropped notably in the first four months of 2025, with about 400,000 fewer visitors in June compared to the previous year—an 11% decline overall—and a 4% decrease in passenger traffic at Harry Reid International Airport. Locals and hospitality workers have reported tips decreasing by up to 50% due to fewer tourists.
Although Nevada passed a law removing taxes on tips, this legislative change has limited impact when the volume of tourists—and thus tipping opportunities—has drastically fallen. Industry leaders also acknowledge that Trump's broader anti-immigration and trade policies have worsened the situation for Las Vegas tourism, contributing to a shrinking international visitor base that is crucial to the local economy and its hospitality sector.
The decrease in tourism has also affected other industries, such as the tattoo industry. Charlie Mungo, a downtown Las Vegas tattoo artist, has seen his monthly income drop from $3,000 to $6,000 to about $1,500 due to decreasing visitor levels. Mungo has noticed a significant decrease in Canadian visitors, who once made up to 30% of his customer base but are now almost non-existent.
In an effort to attract visitors, many hotels in Las Vegas are offering special promotions at slashed rates. However, this has not been enough to offset the overall decline in tourism. Amid falling occupancy rates, gaming revenues have not dipped significantly, but the ongoing decline in tourism levels has left many hospitality workers and business owners, like Mungo, increasingly concerned about the future.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the impact of Trump's tariff and related policies on Las Vegas tourism and hospitality workers is significant. The decrease in visitor numbers, coupled with reduced tipping opportunities, is causing economic hardship for many in the city. It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve and what measures will be taken to support those affected.
[1] Wall Street Journal, "Las Vegas Struggles with Decline in Tourism," 15 July 2025. [2] Associated Press, "Tariffs Take a Toll on Las Vegas Tourism," 20 July 2025. [3] Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Tips Tax Exemption Not Enough to Offset Tourism Decline," 25 July 2025. [4] CNN, "Trump's Policies Harming Las Vegas Tourism," 30 July 2025. [5] Forbes, "How Trump's Tariffs are Hurting Las Vegas," 5 August 2025.
- The decrease in Canadian tourists to Las Vegas, a result of President Donald Trump's tariff policies, has significantly impacted the personal-finance of hospitality workers, as evidenced by a 55% reduction in Canadian visitors and the reported 50% decrease in tips.
- Despite special promotions at slashed rates by hotels in Las Vegas, which is a popular destination for casino-and-gambling, the ongoing decline in tourism, particularly Canadians, has left industry leaders and business owners like Charlie Mungo, a downtown Las Vegas tattoo artist, concerned about their future personal-finance as their monthly income has drastically fallen.
