Las Vegas found itself wrestling with a familiar foe this June: rising unemployment, driven not by workers but by a tourism slowdown. The local jobless rate climbed to 5.8 percent—up from 5.5 percent in May—even as the national economy shows steadier trends. Strip traffic flagged, with visitor numbers through May off by 6.5 percent compared to last year, as potential guests balked at high prices, trade uncertainties, and restrictive border policies.

Sure, some analysts warn of a “grindy summer,” pointing to reduced arrivals from Mexico and Canada and fears that booming resort expenses are driving away middle-class travelers. But the real issue isn’t the markets—it’s the policies. Excessive regulation, opportunistic tariffs, and a shrug toward cross-border quit claims have created a climate where tourists are asking “Why Vegas?” not “When can I go?”

Nevada’s budgetary lifeline has always been anchored in visitor spending. With revenues tied tightly to tourism, even a small dip can ripple across hospitality, services, and small business communities. American jobs don’t vanish because of worker fault—they suffer when governments put ideology and bureaucracy before business, value, and freedom.

If local leaders want real recovery, they need to go beyond hope and headlines. Las Vegas demands open markets, lower costs, and policies that welcome—not penalize—travelers and entrepreneurs. Without a return to free-market discipline, the Strip won’t just see summer slumps; it’ll face long-term decline in a world where consumers can choose anywhere.

Original source: Las Vegas Review‑Journal 

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