Las Vegas is rolling the dice on a bold new strategy to lure tourists back — even if it breaks from the city’s traditional playbook.
In what looks like a last-ditch bid to win over cost-conscious travelers, several hotels across Nevada are offering cut-price, all-inclusive packages. The deals bundle everything together – from rooms and meals to alcoholic drinks and entertainment – offering visitors a rare chance to experience Sin City without the usual sky-high costs.
The move comes as tourism to the gambling capital has taken a significant hit. Visitor numbers fell to around 38.5 million last year – a sharp 7.5 percent drop compared to the year before.
The downturn worsened in December, with airport traffic sliding by roughly 6 percent year-on-year. For a city so heavily reliant on a steady stream of visitors, the figures raise fresh concerns about the health of the local economy.
Hotel occupancy is down, airline traffic is declining, and retail sales are slipping – leading many to believe that Vegas has priced itself out of reach. Travel expert Lee Abbamonte told the Daily Mail that the Nevada hotspot has ‘overshot’ its appeal with ‘ultra-luxury.’
‘The average American is essentially shut out in Las Vegas unless they want to spend their entire disposable income on a Vegas trip,’ he said.
‘Las Vegas used to be attractive to everyone because hotels were very affordable, drinks were cheap, and anyone could have fun in Las Vegas no matter the budget,’ Abbamonte added. ‘Gambling was king until it wasn’t.’
He noted that one of the reasons the tourist hotspot is slipping could be the current administration: ‘many foreigners are opting to avoid the United States altogether, including Las Vegas.’
Despite a decline in tourism, Las Vegas filled more hotel rooms on average than any other US city on any given night in 2025
But Sin City’s soaring costs aren’t just because of hotels – visitors often face additional ‘resort fees’ and parking costs, as well as already ritzy dining options that are only becoming more expensive with inflation.
As a result, hotels throughout the Las Vegas area are releasing discounts and special packages for budget-conscious tourists.
Downtown, the Plaza Hotel & Casino is luring guests with all-inclusive stays for just $104 per person, per night even throwing in bottomless drinks at select bars without the typical added resort fees.
The glamorous Circa Resort & Casino is offering a two-night ‘all-in’ package for $400 that comes with a $100 dining credit, $100 to spend on drinks and a coveted daybed at the Stadium Swim.
On the Strip, Caesars Entertainment is testing out bundles at its hotels like Harrah’s Las Vegas, The LINQ Hotel + Experience and Flamingo Las Vegas – with prices starting at $200 a night including two meals a day, taxes and fees.
‘As travelers look for more value options, we are proud to introduce an incredible offer in the center of the Las Vegas Strip,’ Caesars Entertainment said, adding that the goal was to create a ‘more affordable way’ for travelers to visit the city.
MGM Resorts International is offering its version of this bundle at the Luxor Hotel & Casino and Excalibur Hotel & Casino, with packages from $330 for two people including rooms, dining, shows and attractions.
‘We’re offering guests a convenient, turn-key way to explore our hotels and make new memories without any hassle or surprises,’ MGM Resorts told the Daily Mail.
Las Vegas’ Circa Resort & Casino is offering its guests a two-night ‘all-in’ package for about $400
As someone who has been regularly traveling to Las Vegas for 30 years, Abbamonte said there hasn’t been anything that ‘really jumped off the page’ in terms of price point.
He added that these packages range in value, ‘and if you are a lower end consumer who doesn’t necessarily care about where you eat or where you stay, then there can be some value, but you really have to do some research.’
Las Vegas is still drawing in crowds – even if it’s not to the extent of years past.
The infamous ‘immersive’ venue the Sphere opened to the public in September 2023 and has since hosted events for U2, the Eagles, Kenny Chesney, No Doubt, Illenium, Backstreet Boys and other award-winning artists.
At the same time, beloved local institutions are being forced to close as fewer tourists visit the area. The legendary MGM Grand Buffet will close for good on May 31, marking the end of one of the Strip’s most recognizable all-you-can-eat institutions.
Fast food chain White Castle closed its Las Vegas Strip location at Casino Royale, as well as its restaurant on Marks Street in Henderson.
