Skift Take
When you're dealing with a destination that promises fun, celebrity, and total abandon as part of its sales pitch, these actions by Prince Harry do nothing but drive bookings and curiosity.
Enquiries for package holidays to Las Vegas have increased by nearly a third, according to one tour operator, with Prince Harry’s visit thought to be responsible.
Pictures emerged today showing the Prince embracing the city’s party reputation by apparently taking part in a game of “strip billiards” at the MGM Grand.
He has been in Las Vegas with friends since Friday, attending various pool parties and nightclubs, and news of his visit has seen enquiries for trips to Sin City increase by 30 per cent, according to Virgin Holidays. The tour operator has said the spike in interest is due to the “Prince Harry effect”.
It has responded by offering holidaymakers a 10 per cent discount on packages to the city. The offer applies to bookings made through its website on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Virgin also claims it has sent a “care package” to the Wynn hotel, where Prince Harry staying, containing an energy drink, sunglasses, swimming trunks (“apparently he has lost his…”), factor 50 sun cream and a free billiard lesson (“hopefully this will put a stop to him losing his clothes”).
Although Las Vegas has long been known for its tolerance towards various forms of adult entertainment, it has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, helped in part by its starring role in 2009 comedy film The Hangover. Since then a number of airlines, including British Airways, have launched new services to the city.
A recent survey of British Olympians by British Airways revealed that Las Vegas was the favoured destination for athletes in search of rest and relaxation after the 2012 Games.
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Tags: las vegas