Winona: getting closer to space tourism

It is very interesting to have a spaceship to bring (rich) tourists to space, but a trip for $300,00. I wonder how Mr Branson and Mr Rutan ever had the idea of bringing (rich) tourists to space. Thou even if i have $300,000, i would not want to spend it on the ticket. I would rather spend my money meaningfuly. But i think it is a great achivement to both Mr Branson and Mr Rutan.