Las Vegas Turns to Local Discounts as Tourism Slump Persists

Las Vegas is turning to local residents amid a continued downturn in out-of-town tourism, as casinos and hospitality venues roll out steep discounts aimed at Nevadans.

The push is led, in part, by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), which has urged residents to rediscover the city with offers and events crafted for them. "This city is yours, Las Vegas locals! It’s time to rediscover your city with offers and events crafted just for you," the agency’s site says as it highlights a slate of local-friendly deals.

In practice, casinos and properties across the Strip and beyond are dialing up incentives for residents. Caesars Resorts is offering 25% off food and beverages, with free self-parking from Sunday to Thursday. Fontainebleau has promotional rates from $125 per night, with resort fees waived through the end of the month. Virgin Hotels is advertising up to 35% off room rates, plus no valet or self-parking fees for locals. On the dining side, Broadway Burger Bar and Gonzalez y Gonzalez are among venues offering 10% off for local patrons.

The discounts come as the industry notes softer weekday traffic and a reliance on locals to sustain activity during slower periods. An LVCVA article on its site, titled "Why a Nevada ID is Like Having Free Money," mentions perks tied to Nevada IDs, illustrating how local residents can benefit from the broader range of offers in the area. Local residents in Fox News Digital interviews described weekday declines relative to weekends, while noting that the Strip remains busy on weekends and that a variety of eateries are actively courting locals with promotions.

Lani and Michael, Las Vegas locals, told Fox News Digital they have noticed the shift toward weekday slowness but said weekend crowds stay robust. "During the weekends, it's actually pretty crowded," Lani said, adding they and their friends often visit for a stroll and to sample new dining options. "We like going out and trying new restaurants all the time. There are a lot of Caesars restaurants that we're actually looking forward to getting our locals' discount at." The couple also noted that locals can still benefit from fee waivers and favorable terms when booking for friends or family who live in the area. Rick Harrison of Pawn Stars fame commented on the dynamic, telling Fox News Digital, "This is the way you get around. You game the system... because people love to have staycations here."

Industry observers say the strategy aims to bolster Midweek and shoulder-season traffic by leveraging residents who live within driving distance of the Strip. Resorts and other operators have signaled a broader shift toward local engagement as they seek to sustain foot traffic in the face of a softer national travel environment. Locals remain a core audience for restaurant and entertainment venues offering promotions that waive resort fees and parking charges, a model some operators hope will translate into longer stays and repeat visits.

As the Las Vegas tourism picture evolves, the local-discount approach underscores a broader market dynamic: operators are recalibrating pricing and perks to maintain vibrancy on days when visitor demand from out-of-t town travelers is softer, while still capitalizing on the city’s enduring appeal for locals seeking recreation, dining, and entertainment. The effectiveness of these locally targeted incentives remains to be seen, but the strategy represents a direct response to a market where staycations and resident spend are increasingly part of the city’s tourism playbook.