New Resort Hotel Opens; Latest Sign of Duluth Tourism Boom

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - A new resort hotel on the Lake Superior waterfront is the latest sign of the tourism boom in Duluth.

Pier B opened Thursday, just in time for the 40th annual Grandma's Marathon this weekend, which is expected to draw more than 60,000 people to Duluth, its biggest crowd ever.

Pier B is also emblematic of the Duluth economy's evolution from an industrial port city to one that relies more on health care, education and tourism.

Another indicator of the tourism boom is revenue Duluth collects from a tourism tax on hotel, bar and restaurant tabs. The city's take has more than doubled in the past decade.

Several attractions, including the Glensheen mansion and the William A. Irvin ore boat, reported record visits last year.