Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley issued a heartfelt plea to Canadian visitors this week, acknowledging the city’s tourism-dependent economy is suffering from a dramatic decline in international visitors, particularly from Canada, which represents the city’s largest international market.
During the August press conference, Berkley highlighted how Las Vegas has strayed from its value proposition that historically attracted millions of visitors.
The mayor, who worked at the Sands Hotel as a college student, recalled when the Sunday brunch cost just $2.99 for all-you-can-eat dining.
In her more recent remarks this week, Berkley attributed the downturn to a sluggish national economy that has consumers holding onto their money “just in case things get worse or they lose their jobs.” She also pointed to what she described as industry practices that alienate visitors.
“There is a concern that the gaming industry in general is nickel and diming people. They don’t like it,” Berkley said. “And I think that’s going to self correct. I mean, if you have to pay $70 for valet parking, you’re going to find out very quickly that people don’t want to pay $70 for parking.”
During the August press conference, Berkley called on tourism industry leaders to “re-examine some of these business decisions and see if we can’t make it more affordable for people to come in and have a good time.” Her message was simple: “Want them to come in, have a good time, spend their money, go home, come back in six months.”
Berkley, who was elected mayor in November 2024 after serving 14 years in Congress representing much of Southern Nevada, emphasized Las Vegas’s resilience during both press conferences. Her appeal to Canadian visitors reflects the city’s recognition that rebuilding international tourism relationships will be crucial for economic recovery.
