Why are there commercials for Las Vegas?

The tourism industry is absolutely vital to dozens of towns and communities across our great American land.  So in an effort to boost interest, a lot of times you will see a TV advertisement that is meant to entice you to visit a place that you would not normally think to go to.

"Come visit BRANSON, MISSOURI!"

After seeing the ad you say to your spouse, "Ooooh that looks pretty GOOD.  Branson, MISSOURI.  Imagine all the SHOWS."


Conversely, there is Las Vegas.  a lot of people really like going to Las Vegas.  and that's fine.  But does ANYBODY that likes Las Vegas ever FORGET that it's THERE?  "Oh YEAH, Las VEGAS!  Honey, cancel the flight to Branson!  I forgot how much I like to stay up all night and gamble."


Almost anybody would like to go to Hawaii, but I never see commercials pitching it as a travel destination.  Why?  Because Hawaii knows it does not need to advertise.  People know it's there.  There's no "Give HAWAII a chance" TV ad.  Imagine if there was.

"Come to Hawaii?  Hmmm, okay sounds good.  Hey Hawaii, is there some kind of online coupon code where I can get thousands and thousands of dollars off the cost of the trip?  Cause if not I sorta don't think I'm gonna make it this year!  Thanks for rubbing it in my face though!  Honey, book the flight to God damn Branson.  Again."


Disney advertises, but that's a little different, because they are coming after your kids.  Places like Las Vegas, Branson, and Hawaii certainly want your money, but none of them have much influence over your children.  Disney has the ability to extract money from you in a whole different way.  a needle-nose-pliers-pinching-and-twisting-the-earlobe-until-you-get-out-your-checkbook sort of way.  Kind of like Santa Claus except it's a mouse.  With no beard.

and if you HATE your kids, there's always Washington D.C.  Here's a parenting tip.  If you ever want to take your kids someplace that they are going to think is boring, just tell them everything is "haunted."

"This is John F. Kennedy's gravesite.  We better leave before it gets too dark because that's when his body comes out of the ground to put more wood on the fire."

"The Lincoln Memorial.  See those pennies on the ground?  They say if you take one his ghost will show up during the night and skin you like a bear.  Anybody care to try?"

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