The first week in May was recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week.

Visit Billings, with the Billings Chamber of Commerce, took the opportunity to underscore the importance of tourism to the Billings economy with the following information: Billings welcomes 2.6 million visitors annually, generating $621 million in spending and accounting for 20.8% of Montana’s travelers. With 55 hotels, hundreds of restaurants, and numerous attractions, Billings is well-equipped to host even more visitors, enhancing our city’s reputation as a premier destination. Tourism benefits Billings by reducing the average tax burden for residents by over $930 per year, supporting 1 in 12 Montana workers, and contributing $1.5 billion in direct employee compensation, 48,000 jobs, and $414 million in state and local taxes from non-resident visitors.

Visit Billings explained that in promoting tourism they collaborate with various organizations at the local, state, and federal levels, including Voices of Montana Tourism, the Montana Travel Association, Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association, Tourism Matters to Montana, the Billings Chamber of Commerce’s Business Advocacy Division, Destinations International, One West Tourism Alliance, and the U.S. Travel Association.

Promoting destinations enhances community well-being and is a crucial investment in economic development and quality of life, says their press release.