COEUR d’ALENE — Summer tourism is off to a sizzling start.

Revenue from the region’s lodging tax, which is a 2% fee applied to the cost of hotel and short-term rental stays, is up 2.5% from last year, said Coeur d’Alene Convention and Visitor Bureau executive director Mark Robitaille.  

“It really is a positive thing,” Robitaille said, adding that lodging tax revenue is also a good indicator of how area businesses are performing.   

Strong turnout for community events, particularly the Fourth of July celebrations earlier this month, has kept downtown businesses especially booked and busy.  

The Coeur d’Alene Resort saw a “record” June, and all 338 rooms were booked over the holiday weekend.  

“It’s been a great, busy season,” said marketing director Amy VanSickle.  

Coeur d’Alene Lake Cruises reported a similar boom in business that began late June and into July, with offerings like the Yoga and Mimosa Cruise often selling out. 

Director of marketing Kodie Woodhead explained that weather plays a big role in the success of the summer cruises. 

“We’re seeing a big increase over the last summer,” she added.  

Robitaille explained that Coeur d’Alene’s unique lakeside downtown and access to outdoor recreation are among the main attractions for tourists each summer, along with “world-class” golf and a growing restaurant scene.  

“The sheer beauty speaks for itself,” Robitaille said.  

Vertical Earth, a bicycle shop on Sherman Avenue, knows firsthand the business the outdoors can bring in.  

“People are hitting the Hiawatha Trail, they’re hitting the beach,” said shop owner Mike Gaertner. “Between here and Gear Garage, people are absolutely out biking.”  

A successful summer season allows for more resources towards promoting fall and winter activities and keeping businesses strong year-round, Robitaille said.  

“Summer really is our bread and butter here,” he said.