Las Vegas and the ‘Britney effect’

Las Vegas has seen a huge rise in popularity as a romantic destination for British travellers – at least among customers of Expedia. The online travel company reports a 40 per cent increase in bookings to “Sin City” since Valentine’s Day last year; particularly, it seems, since “pop star” Britney Spears decided to get hitched there last month – even if her marriage lasted less than three days. Dermot Halpin, from Expedia, said: “While traditional romantic destinations still remain incredibly popular, it seems there are a few high rollers out there swapping Paris for poker. However, to cover every eventuality we are warning customers to get a pre-nup, just in case Vegas doesn’t lead to love for everyone. News From Abroad canvassed the views of one traveller, Alan Beeson, who is planning to visit Las Vegas for his own wedding. He said: “Las Vegas offers something special that British weddings do not; there is a glitzy showbiz style, along with a certain amount of kitsch, that the standard registry office cannot match.” He added, with his tongue firmly in his cheek: “Everyone wants to be a little bit like Posh and Becks; this is our big chance!” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad