City to Raise Hotel Tax on Visitors

If you want an excuse to discourage your meddling, needy parents from visiting you in Philly, you can tell them that in these belt-tightening days, the city has been forced to raise its hotel tax on visitors. Maybe just omit the fact that it’s been raised by only 50 cents. The increase is supposed to raise two million dollars per year, which will then be funneled back into the tourism marketing budget, which has taken a big hit since the recession. Indeed, the most prominent tourist attraction we’ve offered in the past year is a giant Kraft Macaroni noodle that has absolutely nothing to do with anything. [Inquirer]