In Las Vegas Arts District, Cortez Masto, Small Business Owners Shine Light on Trump Tourism Slowdown

***VIDEO AVAILABLE*** FTPs for TV stations is available here . Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Las Vegas small business owners put a spotlight on the tourism slowdown caused by President Donald Trump’s economic policies. Over the past year, the Trump Administration has placed blanket tariffs on our allies, increased costs and made it more complicated for foreign visitors to enter the U.S., and slashed the federal workforce and successful programs like BrandUSA. Earlier this week, the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) released an independent report which found that these actions have caused a nationwide tourism slump that has negative effects on American small businesses and our workers. “Over the past year, I have called attention to the fact that this Administration’s disastrous economic policies have harmed America’s travel and tourism industries,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This week’s extensive Congressional report confirms what Nevadans know all too well – workers, small businesses, and local communities are hurting across every corner of the United States. As Nevada’s Senator, I will continue speaking out, demanding answers and accountability, and putting our hardworking families first.” The Senator was joined at her roundtable by Josh Kellman, President of 18b Las Vegas Arts District; Brian Paco Alvarez, a Las Vegas Tour Guide and Vice President of 18b Las Vegas Arts District; Ira Kaganovsky Green of Freedom Deodorant; Megan Comfort of Studio 21 Tattoo; and Kristen Corral of Tacotarian. They shared that in their experiences, they’ve seen a decline in foot traffic to their businesses, including a noticeable decline in international visitors. Their observations are confirmed by the JEC report, which notes that the United States is the only country globally to have seen a decline in international visitation. Senator Cortez Masto is a fierce advocate for Nevada’s travel and tourism economy. She has repeatedly raised concerns and demanded the Trump Administration consider and reverse their policies and make constructive plans for strengthening the travel and tourism industry. Ahead of the July 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the Senator urged U.S. Trade Representative Greer to focus on actions that will strengthen the trade agreement while encouraging more collaboration on travel and tourism. ###