Canadian tourists have flocked to Las Vegas casinos, capitalizing on a special promotion that allowed them to spend Canadian dollars as U.S. dollars. This surge has occurred despite ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, showcasing the resilience of cross-border travel and tourism.
In a remarkable surge, Canadian tourists have flocked to downtown Las Vegas, taking full advantage of a limited-time promotion that allowed them to spend Canadian dollars at par with U.S. dollars. This initiative, implemented at Circa, the D, and Golden Gate casinos, has proven to be a significant draw for visitors from Canada.
According to Derek Stevens, co-owner of the casinos, over 120,000 Canadians participated in the “At Par” promotion, which ran from January through the end of August. This figure represents a staggering 80 percent increase compared to the previous year. Stevens shared these insights in a video message, emphasizing the positive impact of this initiative on their businesses.
The promotion generated more than $20 million in slot coin-in, alongside over 8,000 hotel room nights. Notably, this hotel occupancy was more than double the usual figures for their three properties in downtown Las Vegas. Stevens remarked on the vibrant atmosphere, stating, “There were many nights on Fremont Street where it felt completely taken over by Canadians and we loved every minute of it.”
This influx of Canadian visitors comes at a time of heightened trade tensions between the United States and Canada. Following the collapse of trade talks earlier this month, the Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. In retaliation, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced equivalent tariffs on U.S. products starting September 8.
Amid these developments, President Trump has publicly criticized Canada on social media, even going so far as to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America.” This move drew swift criticism from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, highlighting the strain in relations between the two nations.
Despite the ongoing trade disputes, Stevens took a moment to express his gratitude toward Canadian visitors. “The leaders of our countries are still going at it. That hasn’t changed,” he acknowledged. “I want to let everybody know that I really appreciate the Canadians who come and visit with us … and tell you that you’re welcome here. Canada and the U.S. are still best friends. We’re still best allies, and this spat between our leaders isn’t going to last forever.”
The successful promotion not only highlights the importance of tourism in the Las Vegas economy but also underscores the enduring bond between the U.S. and Canada, even in challenging times. As Canadian tourists continue to embrace the offerings of Las Vegas, the city remains a vibrant destination for cross-border visitors, ready to welcome them with open arms.
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