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Montana Enlists Tribal Tourism Officer To Boost 'Authentic' Native Tourism

Sign saying "Welcome to Blackfeet Indian Country."
Will Marlow (CC-BY-NC-2)
Sign saying "Welcome to Blackfeet Indian Country."

The Montana Department of Commerce is creating a new position to promote tourism in Indian Country.

Casey Lozar with the Department of Commerce says the new Tribal Tourism Officer will develop culturally appropriate visitor orientation and tourism services in cooperation with the eight Native American nations in Montana.

"What this position does, and what we’ve been striving to do over the last few years, is work with owners and operators to grow their capacity to provide that Native American authentic experience for visitors from all around the country and outside the United States," Lozar says.

Lozar says recent surveys of leisure travelers show a growing interest in exploring Indian Country, history and culture.

He says the Tribal Tourism Officer will work with local businesses, entrepreneurs and tribal governments to update tour guides and maps and produce media for marketing campaigns.

The new Officer is expected to begin work this spring.

Nicky is MTPR's Flathead-area reporter.
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