jmtandem wrote:
As a native Coloradoan, I get zero of your money,
I seriously doubt this to be true. Typically when a segment of the economy is booming it affects all the economy. They pay for things that also benefit you and everybody, albeit perhaps indirectly. Sometimes the best economic model is to let others pay for the things you need/like. And since tourists typically go home after leaving their money in your state, you benefit.
It is very much a give and take. Yes, tourist provide jobs, purchase items and generate tax revenue. That being said, they use law enforcement, fire, ambulance services, search and rescue and a myriad of other services. Tourists buying fuel do generate road taxes, but they are driving on the roads, leading to wear.
Seasonal employees tax government services as well. They earn a fine income during the season, but many go on unemployment and food stamps in the off season. Housing cost rise in tourist areas due to increased demand for housing for workers and diminished supply due to conversion of residential property to vacation rentals. Fine if you are a property owner, not so fine if you are a renter or prospective resident.
As for attitudes, until you walk a mile in a hospitality industry moccasin, you really don't know what it is like to deal with hundreds of tourists daily. Suffice to say it doesn't always come up roses. To many, tourists are like the IRS, they understand why they are necessary, and you have to treat them with respect, but you still don't like them always at your doorstep.
