LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A slowdown in Las Vegas tourism this year is squeezing small businesses on the Strip, with managers saying they are relying on locals’ deals and specials to keep traffic coming.
At Fuel Bar on the Strip, managers say the drop-off is real.
“It’s definitely down. I’ve been on the Strip 18 years, bartending,” said Vahe Manoukian, general manager of Fuel Bar.
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, visitor volume for Sept. 2025 is down nearly nine percent year over year.
“As a bartender, we save. The best thing you can do is — when you have your busier months — don’t change your lifestyle. Stay within your means,” a bartender said.
LVCVA says they want locals to enjoy the Strip, but pricing varies
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority says there are initiatives to draw more locals to the Strip, but pricing and promotions are ultimately up to each property.
“Every property sets its own business model — but we certainly want locals to enjoy everything that’s great about Las Vegas,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of LVCVA.
At Wednesday’s board meeting, the board approved a $6 million sponsorship agreement with WWE to host WrestleMania. Members also voted to allocate more than $1.2 million for Formula 1 Grand Prix ticket packages for stakeholders and partners.
Residents raise concerns about high fees
The timing is difficult for some residents, who continue to raise concerns about price gouging and whether high fees are driving people away.
“These hotels should be bringing more promotions to entice more people — but the model has been ‘get more dollars from fewer people,’” said Cyrus Hojjaty, a resident. “When you have resort fees — especially parking fees — it makes people less enthusiastic. It pushes folks to a breaking point.”
Back at Fuel Bar, workers say they are hoping for a boost from tourists and locals to bring back that 24/7 energy.
“We need it down here to really rejuvenate that all-night feeling of what Vegas used to be,” Manoukian said.
The LVCVA’s CEO says the dip in visitation is tied to the economy. They are optimistic that major events will draw big crowds back and say they are working to address the impact.
Even with Formula 1 less than two weeks away, Fuel Bar says past race weeks have not brought much spillover, with many events curated for attendees elsewhere. Workers hope this year’s race week will be different and drive more business to small venues.
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