Boston Tourism Returning

One of the flawed arguments used to support Predatory Gambling in the Commonwealth is 'tourism,' ignoring:

Solid data show that when casinos come to heritage tourism towns, visitation to the historic resource plummets as it did in Vicksburg, Miss., where 40 percent of the historic downtown is now shuttered.

From: By Overwhelming Margins, Pennsylvania Voters Oppose Gettysburg Casino Proposal

Anyone who takes the time to wander among visitors and ask what they've seen and why they came knows they came for wholesome family entertainment and to view the great history of the Commonwealth.

Tourists don't come to gamble, as this article shows:


Three of the biggest attractions in Boston have weathered the economic problems of the past 4 1/2 years in different ways. The Freedom Trail experienced its only drop in visitors in 2008; Old Town Trolley Tours faltered in 2009. The Museum of Science had decreases in 2008 and 2010 but a banner year in between, due to a wildly popular “Harry Potter’’ exhibit. Officials at all three expect this year to top or equal the numbers in 2007.

Looking to next year, some tourism operators are positively giddy, citing the reopening of the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park, and bicentennial commemorations of the War of 1812 on the USS Constitution. New restaurants on the South Boston Waterfront and increased awareness of the Boston Harbor Islands are also attracting more visitors.

“I think we’re entering a golden era of tourism here,’’ said Matthew Murphy, general manager of Old Town Trolley Tours.

From:
Staycation over
Boston’s tourism industry expects number of visitors could top prerecession figure
By Katie Johnston