In The News: Center for Business and Economic Research
UNLV’s 2025 Economic Outlook, presented in Las Vegas on November 13, indicates that Nevada’s tourism sector will experience slower growth over the next few years, following a period of rapid post-pandemic recovery. Visitor volume to Nevada is expected to stabilize at around 50 to 51 million annually, with a slight decline forecasted for 2026 and 2027. Despite global economic uncertainty, inflation, and shifting domestic travel patterns, the state’s tourism sector is forecast to remain resilient due to Nevada’s strong global brand and the continued influx of major events.

One job sector is outpacing inflation in Clark County – and it might not be the industry you expect. Hospitality is often seen as the heart of the Las Vegas job market. But as tourism declines, one industry is quietly becoming the valley’s fastest-growing – and highest paying despite national trends.
A new economic study projects visitation to Las Vegas will bounce back in 2026. But the city's top tourism officials are taking nothing for granted as they grapple with the effects of 2025's lull and adjust prices to try to lure back tourists in the new year.

Democrats looking to win back Nevada’s gubernatorial mansion want to tie incumbent GOP Gov. Joe Lombardo to Donald Trump’s agenda — but the first-term governor is not making it easy.

A new report from economists at UNLV released at its annual conference suggests while no recession is expected in the near term, the economic climate in Southern Nevada shows signs of trouble but has the ability to stabilize in the coming months.
According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in August 2025, the national unemployment rate for the United States was 4.3%. While 22,000 new jobs were added in August, led by job gains in the healthcare industry, this did little to offset those who lost work in career fields related to oil, gas, and mining, as well as the mass layoff of federal employees.
Everyone inside America’s most flailing destination city has a theory for what’s wrong. Now I have my own.
Las Vegas tourism is projected to rebound in 2026 by one million visitors after a slowdown this year. In addition, a panel of experts told the city’s business leaders that sports will continue to help drive visitation to the city, along with resorts lowering prices and creating more value.
Las Vegas tourism is projected to rebound in 2026 by one million visitors after a slowdown this year. In addition, a panel of experts told the city’s business leaders that sports will continue to help drive visitation to the city, along with resorts lowering prices and creating more value.

In breaking ranks to end the federal government shutdown this week, Nevada’s two Democratic senators showcased the shifting politics of the once solidly blue state, home to a diverse, working-class population that relies heavily on tourism. In the national battle for party expansion, Republicans have the edge in the Silver State.

Southern Nevada’s economy is showing signs of distress but remains steady as businesses and analysts adjust, according to the latest outlook from UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research, released at the group’s annual conference Thursday.

Southern Nevada is expected to add the equivalent of Henderson’s population in the next decade, and the unemployment rate, as well as growth, is expected to stabilize, according to a report from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.