As an example, delays due to our beleaguered air traffic control system are all too commonplace. If the funds had been spent accordingly to begin with, we may not be dealing with this problem today. What's worse, it will take years for the system to get back on track. In some cities, the travel tax money goes to help pay for new tourism facilities such as convention centers and visitor welcome centers, or to pay for advertising to encourage travelers to visit that community. In other cities, the travel tax money goes to general funds that are allocated to education, police, or social services in that community.
Some cities do both.
However, the most controversial spending of these taxes is sports-related. Cities that are renovating existing sports stadiums or building new ones have raised hotel and car rental taxes to help finance these projects. While taxes are necessary to support infrastructures for tourism, travelers need to educate themselves before departing on that vacation for which they've saved so hard. When pricing a trip, ask for the price including all taxes and surcharges. If you are unclear about certain fees, ask for a detailed explanation.