Lodging, one percent, transportation tax report

The hospitality business in Cook County has been booming.

Through September 1, the Lutsen, Tofte Tourism Association lodging taxes are up 35.9 percent over 2020. Collections are at $942,612.30 already and last year they finished at $932,960.73.

The Grand Marais Area Tourism Association is up 40.3 percent through September. So far $340,776.23 has been taken in through September compared to 2020’s year-end total of $321,068.69.

The Gunflint Trail Tourism Association reports collections of $178,713.56 through September, a year-to-date apple to apples comparison increase of 14.2 percent over last year at the same time.

The one percent local option sales tax is up 29.9 percent over last year through October and the 0.5 percent Cook County Transportation tax is likewise up 29.9 percent over last October.