Vegas Officials Fear European Travel Boycott Over Greenland Threat

Posted on: January 22, 2026, 05:46h. 

Last updated on: January 22, 2026, 05:46h.

Las Vegas tourism officials are concerned that escalating tensions between the US and Europe over Greenland could trigger a new wave of international travel pullbacks — echoing the sharp Canadian downturn that battered Las Vegas in 2025.

That concern stems from President Donald Trump’s recent declaration that the US will gain “total access” to Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, under a new NATO arrangement.

Trump told Fox Business on January 22 that there would be “no end” and “no time limit” on US military access to the island, framing the move as essential to national and international security.

Tourism officials worry that this rhetoric, already unpopular in Denmark and other European countries, could sour sentiment among European travelers considering a Vegas vacation.

“Any barrier to international visitation, whether geopolitical tension, policy uncertainty, or added entry barriers, might impact Las Vegas,” Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal, noting that global visitors respond strongly to how “welcome and seamless” a destination feels.

The timing is particularly sensitive because Las Vegas is preparing for a new nonstop Air France route launching from Paris in April, which aviation analysts believe could boost European visitation — if political anger doesn’t override demand.

Blame Canada

Canada remains the clearest cautionary tale. After Trump’s comments about turning the sovereign nation into the 51st US state last year, followed by strict tariff policies, Las Vegas saw a 20% drop in Canadian visitors, along with a 30% decline in Canadian airline seat capacity. That amounted to roughly 217,000 fewer Canadian seats — the lowest level since 2006.

Earlier this week, Abacus published a poll that found a whopping 33% of Canadians now would think less of close friends or family members who traveled to the US.

Tourism strategists argue that Las Vegas must expand its international air network — especially deeper into Europe, Asia, and Australia — just to counteract the weakening demand from Canada. They describe this as a long‑term strategic shift rather than a short‑term fix.

Meanwhile, the city’s broader visitation slump is unmistakable in airport data. Harry Reid International Airport recorded nearly a 10% year‑over‑year decline in domestic passengers in November, marking the tenth consecutive month of falling traffic. October also posted a steep drop, and both August and September saw mid‑single‑digit declines, signaling a worsening trend.

Domestic travelers continue to complain online about soaring prices across the Strip, from minibar charges to drink prices at major venues, reinforcing the perception that Las Vegas has lost its value as a destination.