Las Vegas faces its worst slump since 2008 — tourists vanish as Americans run out of cash

Las Vegas faces its worst slump since 2008. Tourists are vanishing. Hotels are half-empty. Casinos are quieter. Visitor numbers are down 8%, and average hotel rates fell to $193 per night. Rising costs are keeping Americans home. Dining, gambling, and lodging feel too expensive. International and regional traffic is dropping. Local businesses and jobs are under pressure. Recovery may come from conventions or international travelers, but for now, the Strip is quieter than it’s been in years, signaling caution in U.S. consumer spending.