MT Invests $8.75M In Tourism Growth To Strengthen Local Economies

Tourism is a substantial economic driver here in the state of Montana.

According to the website, Tourism Matters To Montana, in 2023 the state had over 12.5 million nonresident visitors.

Those visitors spent a staggering $5.45 billion and supported over 66,000 jobs in Montana communities.

The Montana Department of Commerce has made a substantial investment in Montana communities to enhance its tourism allure.

Recently, $8.75 million was granted to seven Montana communities as part of the pilot community tourism grant program.

The program aims to bolster local economies, fortify destinations resilience, and diversified tourism-related assets and infrastructure across the state.

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Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program

For a community to be considered for the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program, the applicants must demonstrate community readiness, commitment, vision, goals, and partnerships that will contribute to the long-term success of their programs.

Seven communities throughout Montana will each receive $1.25 million in grant funding over two years and can secure an additional 2.75 million over 60 months for their projects.

Montana Communities Receiving Tourism Grant Funding

• Hardin: "Big Horn Tourism Breakthrough"
• Choteau: "Celebrating our Heritage, Cultivating our Future"
• Fort Benton: "Destination Fort Benton Tourism and Recreation"
• Glasgow: "Explore Glasgow: Trails, Events Pavilion and Sports Hub"
• Glendive: "A Thriving Tourism Hub for All"
• Browning: "Indigenous Experience: People, Places and Pathways"
• Red Lodge: "Tourism Development Project"

This grand funding was made possible by Senate bill 540.

To learn more about the details of this program and upcoming funding opportunities, visit commerce.mt.gov.

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