The Tropicana, one of the original luxury hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, primarily catered to middle-class visitors throughout much of its history. The property faced challenges due to its connections to organized crime and a changing competitive landscape, leading to its decline. Sold to Ramada in 1979, it continued to operate as an affordable resort until its eventual closure.
As the demand for upscale experiences rises among visitors to Las Vegas, the city is shifting its focus away from direct competition with traditional gambling destinations like Atlantic City and Laughlin. Belarmino noted that tourists now view Las Vegas alongside cities like San Francisco and New York, highlighting the perceived value of Las Vegas as an alternative.
However, the days of budget deals like $20 hotel nights and zero resort fees on the Strip may be numbered. Nicholas Irwin, a research director at UNLV’s Lied Center for Real Estate, suggested that those promotions might be a thing of the past. He emphasized concerns that the focus on business growth could overshadow the needs of families and the local workforce.
Researchers from UNLV project a steady population growth of 1.6% in Clark County this year and 1.4% next year, partly fueled by an influx of Californians relocating to Las Vegas for its more affordable living costs. Alicia Muscs, a 26-year-old travel booking agent at MGM’s New York-New York casino, is among those who moved to the city for economic reasons.
Irwin pointed out that these new residents from California tend to be 15% to 19% wealthier than existing Nevadans, which is driving up demand and prices for local goods and services. This demographic shift could have significant political implications in Nevada, a crucial swing state where both presidential campaigns aim to appeal to voters on economic matters.