As travelers emerge from an era of revenge tourism and bucket-list sprints, a quieter movement is taking hold: the “calmcation.” This emerging travel trend prioritizes rest, relaxation, and mental restoration over jam-packed sightseeing schedules, representing a significant shift in how Americans approach their precious vacation time.
The consumer trend of seeking calm and wellness could be driving declines for Sin City.
Las Vegas tourism has declined in 2025, with June hosting roughly 3.1 million visitors—about an eleven percent year-over-year drop and the sixth straight monthly decrease—while hotel occupancy and room rates also softened according to official tallies summarized by multiple outlets and the LVCVA’s executive summary materials.
The calmcation trend gains momentum as American travel spending shows signs of strain. International visitor spending to the U.S. is projected to fall to $169 billion in 2025, down from $181 billion in 2024, while Americans are pulling back on travel expenditures with airline and hotel spending declining year-over-year in early 2025.
Despite economic pressures, travel demand remains resilient, with 74% of Americans planning to travel this summer. However, travelers are becoming more strategic, choosing cheaper accommodations (31%) and cutting dining costs (29%) while maintaining their travel plans. This budget-conscious approach makes affordable calmcation destinations particularly appealing.
