Thriving tourist hotspot in the desert now living a nightmare
A PLACE famed for all-night partying and gambling, it’s hardly surprising that Las Vegas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Millions of holidaymakers flock to the Nevada hotspot every year. Just weeks ago I was one of them — excited for a holiday and the chance to unwind in a place that never sleeps and the fun never stops.
From pool parties to seeing some of the world’s biggest music acts in concert or just strolling around, enjoying the street entertainment and wandering through themed , you quickly realise that there really is no place like Vegas.
As I watched in shock the horrific images that filtered around the world yesterday after a gunman opened fire on innocent concert-goers, I couldn’t believe how a place that only weeks ago had been a dream holiday for me and so many, could turn into a living nightmare for thousands of others.
During my week there, myself and my friends attended a string of music concerts and events along with thousands of other excited revellers.
This included open pool parties — a massive attraction in Vegas with the likes of Calvin Harris and Tiesto regular DJ guests, seeing Britney Spears in concert for the first time, and a gig featuring rap stars 50 Cent and Snoop Dog.
Despite the transient nature of the party city, the high profile music and sporting stars performing there and the sheer number of people, security and personal safety was never something that I found to be an issue in Vegas.
The city is tightly policed with armed officers a regular sight on the thronged Vegas Strip.
And with so much activity, bag checks and closely monitored queues are another regular feature.
Security staff were an ever present in my hotel and I became accustomed to security checks, particularly going into event venues. Recent terror attacks across Europe have made us all more cautious, but its a heartbreaking reality of the world we live in now that there are those all too willing to take advantage of moments of what should be all about joy, fun and excitement.