Bemidji Joins Eagle, Gilpin, Hinsdale, Warren, Orange and More US Counties in Minnesota, Florida, New York, North Carolina Supercharging Tourism Economy with Lodging Tax, Skyrocketing Revenue, Everything You Need To Know is Here

Published on December 31, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In 2025, Bemidji has joined counties like Eagle, Gilpin, Hinsdale, Warren, and Orange in Minnesota, Florida, New York, and North Carolina as leaders in tourism growth. These counties are supercharging their tourism economies through record-breaking lodging tax increases that are fueling skyrocketing revenue.

Bemidji, known for its stunning lakeside attractions and vibrant events, has experienced a dramatic surge in lodging tax revenue in 2025, with projections nearing $560,000, a $100,000 increase from previous years. This is a significant achievement for Bemidji, especially after overcoming challenges like the June derecho windstorm.

The city’s “We Are Open” campaign helped drive traffic to local businesses, proving that community resilience can turn adversity into success. Lodging taxes in counties like Eagle County (Colorado) and Warren County (New York) are also seeing record increases, helping to fund tourism initiatives, local infrastructure, and community projects.

As Bemidji continues to see tourism growth, it highlights the power of strategic tax policies in revitalizing local economies. Read on to find out how Bemidji and other counties are driving unprecedented growth in tourism and transforming local economies.

Bemidji’s Tourism Boom in 2025: Lodging Tax Soars, Community Resilience Shines

As 2025 draws to a close, Bemidji, Minnesota, is celebrating a year of remarkable tourism growth despite the challenges posed by a devastating windstorm. The city’s local destination marketing organization, Visit Bemidji, presented a glowing report at the December 15 Bemidji City Council meeting, highlighting impressive figures in lodging tax revenue and a series of successful community-led tourism initiatives. With 2025 lodging tax revenue projected to reach $560,000, the city is experiencing a surge in tourism and economic vitality that underscores its rising status as a must-visit destination in the Midwest.

Lodging Tax Revenue Sets New Milestones Despite Adversity

One of the standout achievements for Bemidji’s tourism in 2025 is the projected increase in lodging tax revenue, which is expected to reach $560,000—an impressive $100,000 increase from 2019. According to Visit Bemidji Assistant Director Brady Laudon, this growth is especially significant considering the economic challenges the city faced. 2023 marked the highest year ever for lodging tax revenue in the city, and 2025 is poised to match that level, despite setbacks such as the June derecho windstorm that ravaged the area. Laudon highlighted the incredible resilience of the Bemidji community, with local businesses and tourism organizations working together to recover swiftly and maintain strong tourism numbers throughout the year.

The resilient tourism economy in Bemidji is a testament to the city’s growing appeal as a vacation destination, and the increase in lodging tax revenue reflects the strong demand for accommodations in the area. The surge in revenue can also be attributed to robust marketing campaigns, innovative initiatives, and the diverse range of events that Bemidji hosts year-round.

“We Are Open” Campaign Brings Millions of Views and Boosts Local Economy

In response to the devastating June storm, Visit Bemidji launched the “We Are Open” campaign, a powerful initiative to showcase the resilience and welcoming spirit of the Bemidji community. The campaign, which involved the production of six videos featuring 44 local businesses, went viral, garnering an astonishing 2.3 million views across social media platforms. Sydni Miles, Sales Coordinator and Office Manager at Visit Bemidji, explained that the campaign included flip cards with messages such as “Bemidji Welcomes You” and “Bemidji Is Open for Business” to remind people that the city’s businesses were still operational despite the storm’s damage. This show of unity and resilience resonated with both local residents and out-of-town visitors, and the campaign’s success was evident when the city saw a record 6.4% increase in lodging tax in July.

California & Florida Counties Lead the Charge: A New Era for Tourism Tax Revenue

It’s no surprise that California and Florida are leading the pack when it comes to lodging tax increases. In Palm Beach County, tourism numbers have reached all-time highs, with $11.3 billion in economic impact in 2025. This has led to an increase in hotel occupancy taxes, which now fund local infrastructure and tourism development projects. Meanwhile, in Orange County, California, home to Anaheim and the world-renowned Disneyland, the lodging tax rate has increased to 14%. This has generated a windfall of billions, with visitors from around the world flocking to the area. The extra revenue is going straight into improving parks, public spaces, and visitor services.

In Florida, counties like Miami-Dade and Broward County have also raised their lodging taxes, particularly in the hospitality-heavy areas of Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. These tax hikes help fund marketing campaigns and new tourist attractions, contributing to massive revenue growth that supports the local economy.

New York and North Carolina: The Unstoppable Rise of Tourism Taxation

In New York, Warren County, located in the Adirondack region, has become a tourism powerhouse. With over $928 million in tourism spending in 2025, the county’s lodging tax has been increased to accommodate the booming demand. These tax hikes ensure that public services and community infrastructure keep up with the ever-growing number of visitors. The new funds will be funneled into public events, restoration projects, and enhancing the visitor experience.

North Carolina has also seen a surge in lodging taxes. With $36.7 billion in statewide tourism revenue, counties like Wake County and Moore County have introduced increased lodging taxes to keep up with visitor demand. These tax hikes are essential for maintaining the local economy and supporting tourism-dependent jobs. It’s clear that North Carolina’s tourism policy is centered on creating a sustainable, long-term tourism economy that benefits all.

Saratoga Springs and Warren County: New York Counties Harness Tourism Taxes for Long-Term Growth

New York’s Saratoga County and Warren County are proving that even smaller counties can cash in on lodging tax increases. By raising hotel bed taxes, these counties are investing directly into their future. With $928 million in total spending in 2025, Warren County’s tourism tax revenue is now earmarked for tourism marketing campaigns and infrastructure upgrades, benefiting both residents and tourists alike. Meanwhile, Saratoga County has hiked its hotel bed tax to 3%, aiming to fund tourism development projects that will attract more visitors in the coming years. It’s a smart strategy to keep these counties growing and thriving.

How These U.S. Counties Are Changing the Game with Lodging Tax Increases

In 2026, these U.S. counties are setting an unprecedented standard for tourism taxation. As lodging tax rates continue to rise, counties are reinventing the way they generate revenue and support tourism. The increase in taxes isn’t just about raising money—it’s about sustaining local economies, creating jobs, and ensuring that tourist destinations continue to flourish. By focusing on infrastructure, environmental protection, and community services, these counties are leading the charge for sustainable tourism growth. Local governments are reinvesting in their communities, ensuring that their tourism economies remain strong for years to come.

The success of these county‑level lodging tax increases shows that local governments are innovating and taking matters into their own hands to ensure economic sustainability. These bold decisions are helping transform communities, making them vibrant destinations for tourists and residents alike. As more counties follow suit, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for U.S. tourism.

Missouri’s Perry County Joins the Lodging Tax Revolution

In Perry County, Missouri, a new 6% tourism lodging tax has been introduced, effective December 1, 2025. This tax will apply to all guest accommodations, including hotels, motels, and short-term rentals, and will generate additional funds for local tourism marketing and economic development projects. This move is part of Perry County’s strategic plan to enhance the county’s tourism offerings and attract more visitors to this historically rich region.

Is Your County Next? The Surge in Lodging Tax Increases Is Just the Beginning

What’s happening in U.S. counties is a massive trend, with more areas raising lodging taxes to reinvest in tourism infrastructure, local services, and economic growth. From California to North Carolina, Florida to New York, counties are reaping the benefits of tourism tax policies that help to boost local economies and create jobs. These counties have figured out the formula—raise lodging taxes to enhance visitor experiences, improve public services, and create long-term growth. As more counties adopt these strategies, expect to see an even greater surge in tourism and economic vitality in the coming years.

As U.S. tourism continues to grow, the federal government will need to keep up with the success that local counties are experiencing. The truth is, counties are leading the way in tourism tax reform, creating a model that could inspire other nations to follow suit.