Montana Department of Commerce - Office of Tourism

**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,technical assistance, 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 annual Tourism Grant Program awards funding to projects that strengthen Montana's economy through the development and enhancement of the State's tourism and recreation industry. The Tourism Event Grant Program was created to elevate local events to destination event status through additional marketing and upgrading the visitor experience. The Office of Tourism supports Montana's non-profit Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO’s)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. Additional programs focus on destination development projects and signature events including the Governor's Conference on Tourism. For importantTourism Advisory Council Meetings, Public Hearings, and Virtual Workshops, please visit the Commerce E-Calendar.