Chicago Raises Tourism Tax to Promote Tourism

Hey you! Yes you, why aren’t you visiting Chicago? Is it the constant crime, the miserable weather and an ugly monument to the nation’s worst president not likely to live to a hundred?

No, it’s because you haven’t seen Chicago’s tourism ads. Like this one.

Not sold yet? What about this compelling argument for paying a visit to Chiraq?

Okay, but surely this one will sell you.

Well it’s not my fault. I tried to sell you on the virtues of visiting Chicago. The real professionals though in the Gangster Disciples, I’m sorry the Chicago City Council, a less professional spinoff of the same organization, have a better plan.

Raise taxes on tourists to encourage tourism. Wait, is that the plan? That doesn’t sound right.

The Chicago City Council has agreed to raise its tourist tax in an effort to grow traveler marketing programs. The city council also passed the formation of the Tourism Improvement District (TID) — which will fund Choose Chicago, the city’s official destination marketing organization. Revenue will be used for city marketing campaigns and to cover bid fees for conventions and major events.

If you won’t come for the random violence or the corruption, come for the even higher taxes. Why not?

Obviously this isn’t about promoting tourism. It’s about moving money from the wrong people (taxpayers, the middle class) to the right people (politically connected operatives) which is an old Chicago tradition, under the guise of tourism.

But at least their latest bid to attract tourists looks especially compelling.