Year-end lodging tax report not good for Cook County

Cook County’s lodging tax income was way down this year, especially in the West End and on the Gunflint Trail.

The county’s year-end lodging tax report shows that of establishments that had reported through the end of 2009, the Lutsen-Tofte Tourism Association took in 11.1% less than it did the year before, and the Gunflint Trail Tourism Association took in 7.8% less. The Grand Marais Area Tourism Association held steadier with only a .4% decrease. Overall, Cook County saw an 8.3% decrease.

Thereport shows figures as far back as 2002, and in that time, 2009 was the only year either Grand Marais or the West End had seen a decline in income. The Gunflint Trail saw declines in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009.

Compounding the decrease is the fact that the cost of doing business continues to increase with inflation.

Ely area lodging tax income was down for the first time in the 10 years included on its report, with a decline of 6.5%.