UPDATE 8/27/12: In further response to Prince Harry's nude photo scandal, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority took out a took out a full-page ad in Friday's USA TODAY, scolding whomever leaked the photos and breached the iconic code of "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," reports Reuters.
The full story continues below.
PREVIOUSLY 8/23/12: Getting caught up in a nude photo scandal might not be good for one's self esteem. But, as it turns out, it's at least good for somebody's business.
News of nude photos of Prince Harry, taken in Las Vegas, hit the Internet with the force of a category 5 hurricane this week. And, while the fallout might be hitting the "wild Windsor" -- he might face military reprimand and the royals are clearly displeased -- Las Vegas is #winning, as interest in tourism to Sin City is spiking.
According to the Daily Mail, booking engine Hotels.com has seen "a 123 percent increase in the number of searches carried out for Las Vegas compared to the equivalent day in 2011." Virgin Holidays is reporting that Las Vegas inquiries have risen 30 percent, and will be offering a special 10 percent discount this coming weekend to further encourage trips.
“Las Vegas is excited that Prince Harry continues to visit the destination for his stateside getaways,” said Jeremy Handel, spokesperson for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, in an e-mail to The Huffington Post. “Las Vegas is about adult freedom and that means different things to different people. It’s important for friends to know what activities can be shared publicly and what activities are protected by the code of ‘What Happens in Vegas; Stays in Vegas.’”
Steve Wynn, owner of the Encore Wynn resort where Prince Harry stayed in Vegas, waived his more than $47,500 bill, the Daily Mail reports.
Not everyone thinks, though, this will be a shining moment for Vegas tourism. A female fan of Prince Harry's sent a scathing email to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce asking the city to issue an apology for allowing the photos to leak in the first place, reports the Las Vegs Review-Journal. She points out that Vegas' iconic slogan "obviously does not apply to this young man," saying "I doubt he or any of his friends and supporters will ever visit your city again, I know I won't."
Looks like she's the only one.
