A months-long promotional campaign aimed at Canadian travelers delivered a significant increase in visitation to downtown Las Vegas properties, offering a bright spot for a tourism sector that has faced challenges amid ongoing political and trade disputes between the United States and Canada.

Derek Stevens, co-owner of Circa Resort & Casino, the D Las Vegas and Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, said more than 120,000 Canadian visitors participated in the “At Par” promotion between January and the end of August. The initiative allowed Canadian visitors to exchange their currency at a one-to-one rate with the U.S. dollar, providing considerably more value than the prevailing exchange rate.

According to Stevens, the campaign generated a substantial increase in business at the three downtown properties.

“That’s up 80 percent from last year,” Stevens said in a video message released Monday and cited by CDC Gaming. “So Canadians came through in a real big way.”

The promotion also produced more than $20 million in slot coin-in and generated over 8,000 hotel room nights. Stevens said those room-night figures were more than twice the level the properties would typically expect from Canadian guests.

Downtown Properties Report Strong Response

The “At Par” offer launched in late January and concluded on Aug. 31. Under the promotion, Canadian visitors received parity between the Canadian and U.S. dollar, despite the Canadian currency normally trading at roughly 72 to 73 U.S. cents.

Stevens said the impact was visible throughout the downtown area surrounding Fremont Street.

“There were many nights on Fremont Street where it felt completely taken over by Canadians and we loved every minute of it,” Stevens said.

In a separate social media video discussing the campaign’s conclusion, Stevens reiterated the strong turnout from Canadian travelers.

“There were many nights along Fremont Street where it felt like a completely, completely taken over by Canadians, and we loved every minute of it,” Stevens said.

The operator also used the video to thank Canadian visitors and express appreciation for their continued support despite broader political tensions between the neighboring countries.

Tourism Industry Responds to Declining Canadian Travel

The success of the downtown promotion comes as Las Vegas tourism officials and major hospitality companies work to rebuild visitor numbers from Canada.

Canada has traditionally been the largest international source of visitors to Las Vegas. However, tourism from the country declined sharply following trade disputes and political tensions that intensified during 2025. According to tourism figures, approximately 18% fewer Canadians traveled to Las Vegas in 2025 compared with the previous year, representing a drop of roughly 250,000 visitors.

The decline affected spending across the city and raised concerns about the economic impact on businesses that depend on tourism. Nevada Gaming Control Board data showed Strip casino gaming revenue fell about 4% during fiscal 2025, although performance has improved somewhat during 2026 with support from conventions, business travel and major events.

Recognizing the importance of the Canadian market, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) organized a sales mission to Western Canada in August. Representatives met with travel advisors in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton to encourage future travel to Las Vegas.

At one event, LVCVA Chief Executive Officer Steve Hill emphasized the city’s commitment to Canadian visitors.

“We’re here to make sure you know that we care about Canada,” Hill told travel advisors. “We know that Canada loves Las Vegas. We love Canada right back!”

Hotels and Travel Companies Launch Incentives

Several tourism businesses have introduced targeted offers to encourage Canadian travelers to return.

In addition to the currency-exchange promotion, Circa Hospitality Group partnered with Papillon Helicopters to offer discounted helicopter tours of the Las Vegas Strip. Canadian guests could purchase the excursion for $75, compared with the standard price of $129.

Major resort operators have also joined the effort. MGM Resorts International launched promotional packages at properties including Luxor and Excalibur. The offer provides accommodations, meals and entertainment for two guests at a bundled price.

MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle highlighted the company’s efforts to reconnect with Canadian travelers.

“We want to remind our friends in Canada that we’re still here, and we understand the concerns they have, but we’re continuing to make the city better every day,” Hornbuckle said. “We want to welcome them back as soon as they’re ready to come.”

Hornbuckle added that higher-end travel demand remains relatively stable, particularly among visitors attending major events.

“We are seeing improvement in numbers for the upper-end of the market who are motivated by events, for instance, Formula 1,” he said.

Air Canada has also introduced promotional travel packages, offering discounts on select Las Vegas flight-and-hotel combinations through late September. The offers cover dozens of hotels, including several major Strip properties.

While trade disagreements between Washington and Ottawa continue, Stevens said he believes the relationship between the two countries remains strong despite political rhetoric. He echoed that message in his social media remarks, stating: “Canada and America, we are still best friends, we are still best allies. And this spat between our leaders, it’s not going to last forever. I want you to know you’ve got friends in the desert out here. Thanks for visiting us, and hope to see you all again soon.”