Las Vegas is thriving as a top destination, with visitors gambling more, spending more, and leaving happier than ever. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) annual survey, tourists are enjoying their experience despite rising prices, and they’re not considering alternative destinations anytime soon.
Increased Visitor Satisfaction and Return Rates
Kevin Bagger, Vice President of the LVCVA Research Center, highlighted an uptick in both returning visitors and overall satisfaction. Visitors in 2023 were more likely to report that Las Vegas exceeded their expectations compared to 2022. This upward trend in satisfaction is a strong indicator that Vegas is continuing to meet—and surpass—visitor demands.
Rising Room Rates Aren’t Slowing Down Tourism
One of the biggest concerns for travelers might be the rising costs. The average daily room rate on the Strip hit a record $204 in 2023, a 12.3% jump from the previous year. However, Bagger assures that this increase hasn’t deterred visitors. When compared to other major global destinations, Las Vegas is still seen as offering value for money.
LVCVA board member Cedric Crear raised the question: “Is Las Vegas at risk of pricing itself out of the market?” His concern stems from whether tourists will continue to tolerate higher prices for rooms, food, and entertainment. However, Bagger’s data doesn’t suggest a drop-off in visitation or satisfaction just yet.
Record-Breaking Spending Across All Categories
Las Vegas visitors are spending more than ever before. The survey revealed significant increases in spending on food, drinks, shopping, and sightseeing. Here are some highlights from 2023:
Food & Drink: $570.15 per trip
Shopping: $414.01 per trip
Local Transportation: $238.02 per trip
Sightseeing: $177.47 per trip
While spending on shows and entertainment dropped slightly, visitors are finding other ways to enjoy themselves. More than 79% of tourists gambled during their stay in 2023, with an average gaming budget of $787—well above pre-pandemic levels.
A Wealthier Crowd is Flocking to Vegas
One noticeable trend is the increase in wealthier visitors. Nearly half (47%) of tourists in 2023 had a household income of over $100,000, compared to just 28% in 2019. Additionally, 21% of visitors earned $150,000 or more, a significant jump from previous years. This rise in affluence is part of why higher prices haven’t deterred visitors; wealthier tourists are comfortable with the higher costs and continue to enjoy their time in Las Vegas.
Satisfaction is Through the Roof
The overwhelming majority of visitors—87%—reported being “very satisfied” with their experience, up from 77% in 2022. Nearly half of those surveyed said Las Vegas exceeded their expectations, and 84% are likely to return in the future.
Millennials, in particular, are enjoying the city more as they age. Their average gaming budget has grown by 133% since 2018, and they’re becoming an increasingly important demographic for casinos and resorts.
Las Vegas: Still a Family Destination?
While Vegas has long been known as a playground for adults, more families are visiting post-pandemic. In 2023, 16% of visitors had someone under 21 in their party—a stark contrast to pre-pandemic levels of 5-6%. This shift is reflected in the average number of people per hotel room, which is now at 2.3, still above pre-pandemic norms.
Sporting Events and Other Attractions
Sporting events continue to be a big draw, with 6% of visitors attending a game during their stay. These visitors tend to spend more on food, drinks, and shopping compared to other tourists. The trend of visiting downtown Las Vegas also remains strong, with more than half of tourists making the trip in 2023.
A Diverse and Changing Visitor Profile
The 2023 visitor profile shows that Las Vegas is becoming more ethnically diverse. Multicultural visitors grew to 39%, up from 23% in 2018, while white visitors declined from 77% to 61%. Visitors are also staying longer, with convention-goers reporting longer stays but spending less on gambling and more on food, drink, and local transportation.
As Las Vegas continues to evolve, one thing is clear: visitors are wealthier, spending more, and leaving more satisfied than ever. With record levels of spending, rising room rates, and a diverse visitor profile, Las Vegas shows no signs of slowing down as a top global destination. The city’s ability to meet all budgets, coupled with its strong visitor satisfaction rates, ensures that it remains a premier choice for travelers from around the world.
