The final numbers are in and, according to the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, 2013 was a very good year for Montana tourism!

An ITRR news release reported that visitation was up last year 2.3% topping out at just over 11 million travelers to the state  during the year.

Overall, non-resident travelers spent a total of $3.62 billion in Montana in 2013.

The annual analysis of travel spending's contribution to the Montana's economy will be completed and released by ITRR this spring.  

Given the skyrocketing number of Chinese tourists and amount that they're spending - over 100 million and $100 billion respectively - it's important for anyone in the tourism industry to understand and to be able to reach  this market.  Read more here.

Got 10 minutes?  Learn how to get started on Chinese social media online.

Read our letter to Ambassador Max S. Baucus about the economic opportunity Chinese travelers present for the U.S. and Montana tourism industries here.

 

Register online to attend the conference in Billings here.

Check out the conference agenda online.

Lodging information is available here.