LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — As the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority celebrates its latest “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” campaign, many locals told 8 News Now they’d like to see more efforts to lower prices.
“We’re excited, we think the time’s right,” LVCVA CEO Steve Hill said of the new ad. “We think the message is right.”
That message of excitement comes at a time that many have called “tough,” with an ongoing dip in visitor numbers at hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
Las Vegas visitor numbers have declined over several months, dropping by 12% in July. Hotel occupancy is down 7.6% from July 2024. The drop was attributed to people staying home to save money and fewer international travelers.
“They need to make Las Vegas a little like it used to be,” Las Vegas local Sandy Wright told 8 News Now.
Wright and other locals who spoke with 8 News Now said the commercial and campaign is not enough for them to change their habits.
“How much money do you have to make?” Shannon Wright said. “You know, let the people who live here come and enjoy.”
8 News Now spoke with multiple people at First Friday downtown. Like many tourists, Las Vegans cited continued high prices on the Strip.
“I think last time I went out there, my friend and I got two drinks for 40 bucks.” Alvaro Rosas said. “That was a little unheard of? And yeah, that made me want to stay away.”
Rosas and others spoke to 8 News Now about expensive drinks and dinners, along with high-priced parking and resort fees. Many also stated they would love to take advantage of “staycation” opportunities, but they can’t afford it.
“It was already expensive four years ago,” Alvaro Rosas said. “So it being 27 dollars for a water bottle now is insane.”
Others added that they’ve had a tough time affording trips to the Strip with friends and visitors.
“We want to take them to the Strip,” Shannon Wright told 8 News Now. “But we don’t want to pay $40 or $60 to park in order to show them the place.”
So, what would they like to see? Many suggested less “nickel and diming” and an effort to make many of these experiences more appealing.
“The locals, we’re here,” Sandy Wright concluded. “If you make it reasonable, I will go.”
The ad does feature Fremont Street, which several people told 8 News Now they still frequent, due to more reasonable prices and deals for locals compared to Las Vegas Boulevard.
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