Office of Tourism
The Office of Tourism team at the Montana Department of Commerce works directly with tourism industry partners and small businesses to promote Montana’s spectacular, unspoiled nature and charming towns by coordinating opportunities throughout the state. These efforts help grow Montana’s economy by improving the visitor experience, growing visitor spending and increasing industry capacity through workshops, trainings, public relations, and grants.
The Office of Tourism provides strategic tourism direction for destination marketing, development, and management for the State of Montana. Initiatives for detailing a tourism strategy and updating the tourism strategic plan are underway.
The Tourism Grant Program is funded by the 4% Lodging Facility Use Tax; commonly known as the “Bed Tax.” Enacted by the 1987 Legislature, the Bed Tax is collected from guests of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, guest ranches, resorts, short-term vacation rentals, and campgrounds.
The Office of Tourism supports Montana's non-profit Tourism Regions and Convention Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) by overseeing the distribution of the lodging facility use tax revenue, assisting in the development of an annual marketing plan and budget, and ensuring compliance with contracts and regulations.
Made in Montana is a multi-faceted marketing and product development program for Montana made or grown value added products. Made in Montana offers an online directory of program members to facilitate searching and selecting products for Montana residents and non-resident visitors. Specific niche programs include Native American Made in Montana and Grown in Montana. The "Taste our Place" program connects producers with businesses offering a "Montana Farm to Table" experience.
Additional programs focus on Destination Development projects such as the Eastern Montana Tourism Initiative and signature events including the Governor's Conference on Tourism and Recreation.
For important TAC Meetings, Public Hearings, and Virtual Workshops, please visit the Commerce E-Calendar.
