Trump Enlists Casino Industry in Push to Surpass France as Top Global Tourist Destination

Trump Enlists Casino Industry in Push to Surpass France as Top Global Tourist Destination

Overview: A White House Summit on Tourism Growth

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, President Donald Trump convened a high-level meeting in the Oval Office with tourism industry leaders, including major figures from the casino and gaming sector. The gathering, hosted by the US Travel Association and its CEO Geoff Freeman, was designed to develop strategies for accelerating inbound tourism following the successful 2026 FIFA World Cup. Among those present were executives from MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Hard Rock International—companies that collectively represent billions in hospitality revenue and hundreds of thousands of jobs across the United States.

The meeting underscores an unusual but strategic alliance between the Trump administration and an industry historically subject to tight federal and state regulation. Trump himself once owned casinos in Atlantic City and on Lake Michigan, giving him firsthand familiarity with the sector’s potential to drive tourism.

The Ambitious Goal: 100 Million International Visitors by 2030

Current Numbers and the Gap to Close

Geoff Freeman, who previously headed the American Gaming Association (AGA) before leading the US Travel Association, presented a bold vision: attract 100 million international visitors annually by 2030. To put that target in perspective:

• In 2025, the United States welcomed 68.3 million foreign visitors—a 5.5% decline from 2024.
• The drop was largely attributed to a 20% decrease in Canadian visitors, a trend tied to diplomatic tensions and policy changes.
• By contrast, France led the world with 103 million international arrivals in 2025, making it the most visited country on Earth.
• Hitting 100 million would bring the US nearly even with France, potentially dethroning it as the global tourism champion.

President Trump reportedly “perked up in his chair” upon hearing that France would be overtaken, expressing strong enthusiasm for the goal.

Why the World Cup Was a Catalyst

Freeman credited the 2026 FIFA World Cup—co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico—as a turning point for American tourism. He told the president:

“It’s because of policies you implemented on the visa side, on the customs side. We welcomed millions of travelers this summer. They got to see everything the country has to show off, and it made Americans feel a sense of pride. We think we can keep this momentum going.”

The World Cup demonstrated the US could handle massive influxes of international visitors smoothly, thanks to streamlined visa processing and enhanced customs procedures implemented under Trump’s earlier directives.

The Casino Industry’s Role in the Tourism Push

A Natural Partnership

President Trump noted his personal history with gaming executives, saying:

“I’ve known them in my private life, many of them, and they’re tremendously talented people.”

The casino industry is uniquely positioned to support tourism growth for several reasons:

• Las Vegas remains the nation’s premier entertainment and convention destination, attracting millions of domestic and international visitors each year.
• Casino resorts in states like Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Pennsylvania offer integrated experiences—hotels, dining, shows, shopping, and gaming—that appeal to tourists.
• Many casino operators, such as MGM Resorts and Caesars, also run non-gaming attractions like arenas, theme parks (e.g., MGM’s involvement with the Las Vegas Raiders’ stadium), and luxury retail.

Bill Hornbuckle’s Remarks on Behalf of the Industry

MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle, who oversees Nevada’s largest employer, delivered remarks to the president. He acknowledged the World Cup’s success but warned that tourism in Las Vegas and other key casino markets remains challenged:

“Travel is difficult. Travel needs your leadership. If we’re going to meet 100 million, we need your help, your direct involvement. If we can get there, it’s 400,000 more jobs. And in a place like Las Vegas, it means a lot.”

Hornbuckle’s mention of 400,000 new jobs if the 100-million target is met highlights the economic multiplier effect of increased international visitation.

“No Tax on Tips” and Its Impact on Casino Workers

Hornbuckle specifically thanked the president for the “No Tax on Tips” provision, part of the Republican-backed One Big Beautiful Bill. This policy allows tipped workers—including many casino employees such as dealers, waitstaff, and bellhops—to deduct up to $25,000 of their tipped income from federal income tax.

For a city like Las Vegas where service workers rely heavily on gratuities, this measure provides meaningful financial relief. It also boosts worker morale, which can enhance visitor experiences and, in turn, encourage repeat tourism.

Las Vegas and Other Key Markets: Current Visitor Data

Overseas Visitors to Las Vegas Declining

According to the International Trade Association, Las Vegas ranked sixth among US cities for overseas visitors in 2025, with 2.2 million international travelers. However, this represented a 14.7% year-over-year decline—a loss of about 380,000 visitors compared to 2024.

The top US cities for overseas visitors in 2025 were:

The steep drop in Las Vegas underscores why casino industry leaders are eager for federal support to reverse the trend.

Why Casino Destinations Matter for the National Goal

Casino resort cities are not just places to gamble—they are major drivers of business travel, conventions, and leisure tourism. For example:

• Las Vegas hosted over 150 major conventions in 2025, drawing attendees from around the world.
• Atlantic City, though smaller, remains a regional draw for East Coast tourism.
• Tribal casinos across the US, particularly in Oklahoma, California, and Florida, attract millions of visitors to non-urban areas.

By improving travel infrastructure and promoting these destinations internationally, the administration hopes to convert World Cup attention into sustained growth.

What the Administration Can Do: Policy Levers Discussed

Visa and Customs Efficiency

Freeman praised earlier Trump-era policies that simplified visa processing and expedited customs clearance. Continued focus on:

• Expanding visa waiver programs to more countries.
• Reducing visa interview wait times at US embassies.
• Enhancing biometric screening for faster airport entry.

These measures reduce friction for international travelers, making the US a more attractive destination.

Marketing and Branding Support

Federal tourism promotion—through agencies like Brand USA—can amplify the “America is open for business” message, especially targeting markets that rebounded slowly (e.g., Canada, China, Western Europe).

Infrastructure Investment

Hornbuckle directly asked for presidential leadership on making travel “easier.” This implies improvements to airport capacity, ground transportation, and hotel development, particularly in Las Vegas, which is already undergoing expansions such as the new Las Vegas Convention Center extension and the Brightline West high-speed rail project connecting to Southern California.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in US Tourism Policy

The White House meeting signals that the Trump administration views the casino and hospitality industry as a key partner in achieving an audacious tourism target. With the World Cup still fresh in visitors’ memories and the “No Tax on Tips” win for workers, the stage is set for a coordinated push. However, challenges remain—especially the steep decline in Canadian travelers and the Las Vegas drop-off—that will require sustained policy coordination and private-sector innovation.

If the 100-million-visitor goal is realized, it would not only vault the US past France as the world’s top tourist destination but also create hundreds of thousands of new jobs across the country, with casino cities playing a starring role.

Related guides

• $1.35B Mega Millions Winner Drops Lawsuit: The Cost of Anonymity in a Record Jackpot
• $167M Powerball Winner Arrested for Fifth Time: A Cautionary Tale of Sudden Wealth
• $20 Ticket Turns into a $2M Payout in Illinois
• $320M Powerball Hopeful John Cheeks Still Fighting for Website Error Jackpot: A Comprehensive Guide to the Ongoing Legal Battle
• $4.6M Child Modeling Fraudster Blew Stolen Cash on Gambling, Taylor Swift Tickets