tourism

As Memorial Day brings another summer tourism season to Montana, residents remain broadly supportive of the industry. But long term data shows that support is waning, and anxiety about future tourism is growing.

High interest rates and a dip in out-of-state tourism are pumping the brakes on what has been red-hot economic growth in Montana. That’s according to a University of Montana research group.

According to a new report, tourists inspired to visit the home state of the fictional Dutton family spent an estimated $730 million in 2021 and helped generate more than 10,000 jobs across industries like food, hospitality and entertainment.

Gas prices in Montana are falling like in other parts of the country, but a gallon of gas and diesel are both more than 20 cents higher than the national average. Tourists in the state are part of the reason gas prices remain at historic highs.

Almost all visitors have been evacuated from Yellowstone National Park due to historic flooding, but superintendent Cam Sholly said in a press conference this afternoon that the park is considering how it can reopen later this season.

Major flooding in south central Montana has destroyed homes, roads and bridges. Reporter Nick Mott lives in Livingston, where the Yellowstone River crested around 11 p.m. last night. He describes what the town looks like today.

Gas prices are anticipated to be the most expensive on record for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. While more Americans are planning road trips compared to last year, they're still hesitant to lock-in summer plans, according to a recent survey.

Tourism and spending in Montana returned to near pre-pandemic levels last year, according to research from the University of Montana.

The data show finance and real estate to be the fastest growing sectors in Montana.

People whose jobs depend on tourist spending are hoping Montana’s allure will remain strong enough to keep visitors coming, in spite of higher gas prices forecast for this summer. The more than $3 billion they spend every year keeps a lot of businesses afloat.