Forested hills and a lake in Montana

Research

The Economic Impact of Tourism in Montana

The impact of non-resident travel has been researched by the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research (ITRR) at the University of Montana since 1987. Additionally, the U.S. Travel Association measures the impact of tourism in each state, and the National Park Service measures visitor statistics and the economic impact of Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park on local communities.

In 2025, Montana’s over 13.3 million non-resident visitors:

  • Spent $5.6 billion
  • Supported 52,620 jobs statewide
  • Generated $360 million in state & local taxes
  • Lowered taxes on each Montana household by over $740

Be a Voice for Montana Tourism

Help share tourism’s value in your community. Explore ways to get involved and support the places and people that make Montana extraordinary.

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