Leading casino executives in Las Vegas anticipate a recovery in tourism by 2026, aiming to reach historical highs. They believe that the recent decline in visitor numbers is a temporary fluctuation rather than a permanent change in demand.
Bill Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts International, and Keith Smith, CEO of Boyd Gaming Corp., shared these insights at Preview Las Vegas 2026, the largest networking event organized by the Vegas Chamber, which took place at Wynn Las Vegas, as reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Their optimism comes after a challenging year for the tourism-reliant city. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) indicated a 7.5% drop in visitation in 2025, totaling 38.5 million visitors, compared to the preceding year, with visitor numbers decreasing for 12 consecutive months. The hotel occupancy rate also saw a decline, dropping 3.3 percentage points to 80.3% over the year.
Despite the downturn, Smith expressed his unwavering confidence in the long-term future of Las Vegas, highlighting the city’s ability to transform and support its wider community.
“I have great faith in the future of Las Vegas, this community, the Strip, and the local environment,” Smith stated. “The focus is on identifying avenues to support the community and ensure its continued prosperity.”
Hornbuckle emphasized that major players in the industry have a duty to reinvest in the city to ensure continuous growth and maintain Las Vegas’s standing as a global travel hotspot.
“It is our duty to keep driving the city’s development and contribute to its overall success,” Hornbuckle remarked.
He noted that MGM invests approximately $800 million annually back into Las Vegas, a figure the company aims to sustain or enhance. “We have the finest destination worldwide, and I genuinely believe that,” he added.
“Nobody executes on this scale better, period. Hence, our commitment to invest and recognize our responsibilities motivates us daily, along with our teams,” he concluded.
Industry leaders and tourism representatives underlined the economic significance of the sector, pointing out that gaming and hospitality sectors provide around 300,000 jobs and account for about 50% of Nevada’s tax revenue, as per the LVCVA.
LVCVA President and CEO Steve Hill stated that the commitment displayed by major operators should instill confidence in residents and investors during times of reduced demand.
“A slowdown impacts everyone, and we are doubly committed to ensuring the city remains vibrant,” Hill remarked.
Both executives referenced past downturns as proof of the city’s resilience. Smith recalled Boyd Gaming’s choice to halt the Echelon project on the Strip during the financial crisis—a difficult but ultimately stabilizing decision that led to land being sold to Genting Group for the development of Resorts World Las Vegas. Hornbuckle reflected on steering MGM through the CityCenter downturn, drawing from leadership lessons learned from icons like Steve Wynn and Kirk Kerkorian.
Looking forward, both executives foresee a robust line-up of conventions, meetings, and significant events in 2026 to boost visitation and revitalize the Las Vegas tourism landscape.