Canadian Tourists Shifting Away from Las Vegas, Opting for Europe

Recent data from La Presse reveals a concerning trend for Las Vegas: a 7.5% decrease in tourism, particularly from Canada, despite record-breaking gaming revenue of US$15.8 billion last year. This shift in travel patterns is prompting Las Vegas resorts to take drastic measures to entice Canadian visitors.

Derek Stevens, owner of Circa Resort & Casino, D Las Vegas, and Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, is offering a unique incentive: accepting Canadian dollars at par with the US dollar. This move aims to offset the current exchange rate, where the Canadian dollar trades around 74 US cents. “Our friends from Canada are missed, it’s a very strange situation,” Stevens stated, hoping to lure back Canadian travelers.

The Rise of Europe as an Alternative Destination

However, the decline in Canadian visitors to the US isn’t solely about exchange rates or political climates. A broader trend indicates a growing preference for European destinations. Data from Cirium, an aviation industry data firm, shows a 15% decrease in flight bookings to the US from July, the peak of the summer season, compared to 2023. A similar decline is observed from Europe.

CAA-Québec is witnessing this shift firsthand. “We are seeing a move away from the United States towards Europe,” says spokesperson Nicolas Ryan. School groups are choosing European tours over trips south of the border, and cruise passengers are opting for European ports of departure. Disney is experiencing a 30% decline in bookings, and the overall US market remains challenging.

Popular European Destinations

• Dublin (+34%)
• Barcelona (+31%)
• Munich (+23%)
• Milan (+21%)
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Germany
• Czech Republic
• Turkey
• Finland

Airbnb is also reporting increased searches from Canada for destinations in Italy, France, Portugal, the UK, and Spain. Marc-Antoine Vachon, Chair of Transat Tourism, notes that Europe is becoming the “go-to alternative” for Canadians who previously traveled to the US.

Canada Benefits from the Shift

Interestingly, Europe’s declining interest in the US could benefit Canada. Cirium reports increases in bookings from Amsterdam (+20%), London Heathrow (+11%), and Frankfurt (+3%). This suggests a growing interest in Canada as a transit point and a destination in itself.

While the situation presents challenges for Las Vegas, it highlights a significant shift in travel preferences, with Europe emerging as a strong competitor and Canada potentially benefiting from the changing landscape. The question remains whether incentives like the Canadian dollar parity will be enough to win back Canadian tourists to the US.

Source: La Presse