LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — As tourism numbers continue to decline when compared to previous years, NEWS 3 ventured out to the Las Vegas Strip, asking tourists to weigh in on what they think has changed over the years..
While data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority shows an 11 percent decrease in tourism, some visitors tell News 3 there are a lot of factors they see that could be deterring visitors from traveling to Las Vegas.
“Regarding to budget, it’s over expectation as well. I think we were not expecting it to be that expensive; it’s quite expensive.”
While LVCVA data shows a 6.6 percent decrease in average daily room rates from $175 to $163 when compared to last year. Some visitors say what’s hurting their budgets are the increased fees, such as parking, entertainment, and food and beverage.
“We are spending over our budget. I think everything is quite expensive, from accommodations to restaurants, to drinks, to attractions.”
Some tourists say, despite noticing the decline in tourism, they say Las Vegas is still thriving.
“We kind of noticed it is not crowded, and we were expecting it to be a bit more crowded, but I think the space is quite well managed and well proportionate, that is kind of one of the reasons you don’t feel it’s crowded,” added one tourist from London.
Other returning visitors say they notice more crowds in the evening, but agree with budgeting efficiently, saying it all depends on the type of experience each tourist wants to have.
“If you want to come and spend, there’s something for everyone. If you want to come in a way to where you don’t have to spend spend too much, there’s something for you to do economically. You can go for a walk, and with that, there’s a lot to do while walking around here, right? So, even just observing and getting to know the city,” said one Tourist from Mexico.
One economic expert agrees, telling News 3 the decline in tourism is not all that linear.
“The challenge that we have, I think it’s twofold; number one is pricing, right, it’s gotten very expensive to participate. The other part is we are also conditioning people for that great thing that they are going to come to Las Vegas for,” said Jeremy Aguero with Principal Applied Analysis.
What tourists say keeps them coming back is in fact that experience, many saying it’s something they can’t get anywhere else.
“We saw the garden, the fountains in the evening, it is an interesting experience, the hotel is very good, the service is very good, so the whole experience is quite nice to be honest,” said one tourist.
“The pool yesterday it was They had a good variety. They had a tidal of three pools, I think, so each singular pool wasn’t overcrowded, so that is why it’s kind of a tradeoff,” added another European tourist.
Despite the decline of tourism and having to budget a little more, several visitors tell News 3 this year’s visit won’t be their last.