tourism

A group of Montana politicians is backing a ballot proposal to rein in campaign spending. State launches investigation into Lee Enterprises over data breach. State park visitation has nearly doubled over the past decade, a new report says.

The number of Canadian tourists visiting the Flathead and Glacier regions this spring has declined compared to last year. That has industry leaders casting a cautious eye toward the summer.

Tourists contributed over $300 million to the state tax base and supported nearly 40,000 jobs in 2024. That’s according to a new report from researchers at the University of Montana. While that economic boost keeps most residents supportive of the industry, concerns about overcrowding are growing in gateway communities.

The Missoula airport is opening its second concourse this year after more than half a decade of construction. Montana’s largest airports are all growing as passenger numbers take off.

Central Montana’s Smith River is one of few you need a permit to float, and they're notoriously hard to get. Recent changes may help Montana residents have a better shot at getting a permit.

Federal budget cuts and economic uncertainty are raising questions about what this summer will look like in gateway communities, the towns surrounding national parks. A group of businesses in Yellowstone recently asked Montana’s congressional delegation for help.

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.