Mars is closer than the moon, at least in terms of fuel. It takes less velocity/delta-V (aka space gas) to get to the surface of mars than it does the surface of the moon. We can use parachutes/aerobraking at Mars whereas at the moon we have to burn rockets all the way down. So mars is the easier and more dramatic stage for anyone wanting to demonstrate thier rocket tech. Venus is even closer still, but as a hell planet Venus doesn't lend itself to dramatic imagery and storytelling.