Published on: January 22, 2026, 05:46h.
Updated on: January 22, 2026, 05:46h.
- Las Vegas braces for a potential decline in European tourism due to tensions surrounding Greenland, resembling the downturn experienced in Canada in 2025.
- The Las Vegas tourism board’s CEO expresses concern that geopolitical tensions could deter international visitors from choosing Vegas as their destination.
Officials within Las Vegas tourism are increasingly alarmed that rising tensions between the United States and Europe regarding Greenland could lead to a fresh downturn in international travel — echoing the significant decline from Canada that Las Vegas faced in 2025.
Concerns have intensified following President Donald Trump’s recent announcement that the U.S. will secure “total access” to Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, as part of a new NATO strategy.
During an interview on Fox Business on January 22, Trump emphasized that there would be “no end” and “no time limit” on U.S. military access to the island, framing this action as vital for national and international security.
Tourism representatives fear that this tough rhetoric, already unpopular in Denmark and other European nations, may negatively influence the attitudes of European travelers contemplating a trip to Las Vegas.
“Any factor that poses a barrier to international visitors, be it geopolitical issues, policy doubts, or increased entry restrictions, can impact Las Vegas,” stated Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He underscored that global travelers respond significantly to how inviting and smooth a destination feels.
This concern is further heightened by the upcoming launch of a new nonstop Air France flight from Paris in April, which aviation analysts believe could enhance European travel to the area — assuming political discontent does not dampen interest.
Look to Canada for Lessons
Canada serves as a poignant example. Following Trump’s remarks about integrating the nation as the 51st U.S. state, coupled with strict tariff measures, Las Vegas experienced a 20% dip in Canadian tourists and a 30% reduction in available airline seating from Canada. This translated to approximately 217,000 less available seats — the lowest count recorded since 2006.
This week, Abacus released a survey indicating that 33% of Canadians now harbor negative feelings toward friends or family members who choose to travel to the U.S.
Tourism analysts argue for a significant expansion of Las Vegas’s international air services — particularly targeting deeper European, Asian, and Australian markets — to mitigate the diminishing demand from Canada. They characterize this necessity as a strategic long-term transition rather than just a quick solution.
Simultaneously, a broader downward trend in visitation is evident at the airport. Harry Reid International Airport reported a nearly 10% year-over-year drop in domestic travelers in November, marking the tenth straight month of declining traffic. October also mirrored a significant decrease, while both August and September showed modest declines, painting a grim picture of ongoing trends.
Domestic travelers frequently voice their displeasure online about the skyrocketing prices at various establishments along the Strip, from minibar fees to drinks at popular venues, reinforcing the impression that Las Vegas no longer offers decent value as a destination.