Editorial: Skyline sign not that bad

Vegas

I've been to a few cities around the world and among the most impressive is Las Vegas.

If you can get passed the fact the city is built on a culture of gambling (complete with poker machines at the airport conveniently placed at the gates for you to play while you're waiting for your plane), then you too will be impressed.

Las Vegas lives up to the hype. It's an amazing city with so much to see and do.

Sure, there are tacky chapels where you can be married by an Elvis impersonator and some of the shows are a bit on the average side, but the city itself is pretty jaw-dropping.

The buildings, the lights, the (impressive) shows, the facilities, the rollercoasters, the hotels - the list is endless.

The service is impeccable and, more importantly, the city is clean. I felt incredibly safe walking around Las Vegas at night. Sorry, but more so than I would in Rotorua.

So for Rotorua to be given the nickname Rotovegas, I'm not all that offended. In fact, I think we should be grateful. Las Vegas is my definite "happy place".

Rotorua has always been known as Rotovegas thanks to its strip of motels along Fenton St. Now that link is greater after Skyline Rotorua erected a sign, similar to the famous one in Las Vegas, that reads "Welcome to Fabulous Rotovegas".

Already there are some locals who have expressed via social media they are none too pleased, some saying it's "lame" and taking the joke too far.

But if you ask me, the sign isn't offensive. It's not grandiose and is all in good fun.

Besides, the sign has a purpose - it promotes the launch of Skyline's new Rotovegas theme for corporate functions.

If you don't like the sign, it's pretty simple - don't get your photo with it.