Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Leisure Studies Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year

Articles 1 - 30 of 367

Full-Text Articles in Leisure Studies

Unveiling The Power Of Tourism Research: Navigating Insights From Montana For 2024 And Beyond, Melissa Weddell, Kara Grau, Matthew Pettigrew Apr 2024

Unveiling The Power Of Tourism Research: Navigating Insights From Montana For 2024 And Beyond, Melissa Weddell, Kara Grau, Matthew Pettigrew

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

ITRR presentation from the 2024 Governor's Conference on Tourism


Montana Residents' Attitudes Towards Tourism - 2023, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew Apr 2024

Montana Residents' Attitudes Towards Tourism - 2023, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

A summary of Montana residents' attitudes towards tourism from the 2023 season. Overall, results from this study show that Montana residents hold a generally positive attitude towards tourism in the state. Residents are aware of the economic benefit that tourism provides to their communities, and agree that the overall benefits outweigh the negative impacts. Perceptions of crowding at the statewide and community level appear to be easing from previous years.


2023 Estimates - Nonresident Visitation, Expenditures, And Economic Contribution, Kara Grau Apr 2024

2023 Estimates - Nonresident Visitation, Expenditures, And Economic Contribution, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report is a collection of estimates of 2023 nonresident visitation to Montana, expenditures by nonresident travelers in the state, and the contribution to Montana's economy of that traveler spending. Included are estimates by full year, quarter, trip purposed, and other visitor segments.


The Montana Travel Industry - 2023 Summary, Melissa Weddell Apr 2024

The Montana Travel Industry - 2023 Summary, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

2023 summary infographic of the Montana travel and recreation industry.


Yellowstone Harvest Festival, Livingston, Montana, Ava Worbets, Hunter Tillman, Megan Schultz Nov 2023

Yellowstone Harvest Festival, Livingston, Montana, Ava Worbets, Hunter Tillman, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

attendees of the Yellowstone Harvest Festival. Surveys were implemented on site during the event. A total of 78 event attendees participated in the survey. Results show that 81% of respondents were residents of Montana and of those Montana residents, 33% were from Park County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 3.55 nights away from home. Of those nights, an average of 2.46 of those nights were in Livingston and 3.50 nights in other nearby locations. Respondents to the survey reported a total spending of $18,134 in the Livingston/Park County area. Results provide event organizers and Explore Livingston with useful data …


The Event At Rebecca Farm 2023, Kalispell, Montana, Ava Worbets, Hunter Tillman, Megan Schultz Nov 2023

The Event At Rebecca Farm 2023, Kalispell, Montana, Ava Worbets, Hunter Tillman, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for Rebecca Farm to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees to the twentysecond annual The Event at Rebecca Farm. Paper surveys were completed by 158 attendees of the event. Results show that 41% of attendees were residents of Flathead Country and 59% came from outside of Flathead County. Visitors spent an average of 6.55 nights in the Flathead Valley area. People spent the most money ($96,336) on accommodations (hotel/motel/B&B/rental cabin/home), followed by restaurants/bars ($21,265), then the Rebecca Farm Trade Fair ($17,126). Respondents to the survey reported total spending of $199,471 in the Flathead Valley. Results …


Itrr Presentation To Tourism Advisory Council, October 2023, Melissa Weddell Oct 2023

Itrr Presentation To Tourism Advisory Council, October 2023, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Presentation deck to the Tourism Advisory Council, October 4, 2023 highlighting Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research project overview, research methods, collaborations, recent accomplishments, etc.


Itrr Annual Report - 35 Years - 1987-2022, Melissa Weddell Oct 2023

Itrr Annual Report - 35 Years - 1987-2022, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Within the pages of this report, you will discover a comprehensive overview of our past and future research projects, travel, and outdoor recreation information and data, as well as who we are and how we collect data. By transparently sharing our experiences and growth, we aim to foster an environment of continuous improvement and shared understanding. Reflecting on the milestones achieved, ITRR has continued to evolve and flourish over the past 35 years, with our journey marked by innovation, collaboration, and unwavering pursuit of our mission to serve Montanans.


Montana Folk Festival 2023, Butte, Montana, Ava Worbets, Hunter Tillman, Megan Schultz Oct 2023

Montana Folk Festival 2023, Butte, Montana, Ava Worbets, Hunter Tillman, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the non-profit Mainstreet Uptown Butte to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2023 Montana Folk Festival. Paper surveys were completed by 860 attendees of the event. Results show that 82% of respondents were residents of Montana, and of those Montana residents, 45% were from Butte-Silver Bow County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 3.43 nights in Butte-Silver Bow County and more people spent money on restaurants/bars and hotel/motel while visiting the area than any other spending categories. Respondents to the survey reported a total spending of $199,074.00 in the Butte-Silver Bow County …


Resident Participation In Outdoor Recreation: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew Oct 2023

Resident Participation In Outdoor Recreation: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted to better understand resident participation in outdoor recreation, specifically on public lands managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Respondents were asked about their participation in outdoor recreation, the importance of outdoor recreation to their quality of life, and their satisfaction with the investment of outdoor recreation facilities in their local area, among other topics. The report also includes demographic information as well as analysis conducted at the regional level.


Gardiner Rodeo 2023, Gardiner, Montana, Ava Worbets, Megan Schultz Sep 2023

Gardiner Rodeo 2023, Gardiner, Montana, Ava Worbets, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2023 Gardiner Annual National Rodeo Association (NRA) Rodeo. Paper surveys were completed by 50 attendees of the event. Results show that 66% of respondents were residents of Montana, and of those Montana residents, 42% were from Park County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 6.14 nights in Gardiner and more people spent money on gasoline and restaurants/bars while visiting the area than any other spending categories. Respondents to the survey reported a total spending of $14,045 in the Gardiner area. …


2022 Resident Visitation: Yellowstone National Park & Glacier National Park, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew, Glenna Brown Jun 2023

2022 Resident Visitation: Yellowstone National Park & Glacier National Park, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew, Glenna Brown

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This particular study was conducted to better understand resident visitation to the national parks in the state, and to also understand some of the obstacles that may have prevented residents from visiting the parks in 2022. This report includes information on monthly visitation to both Glacier and Yellowstone national parks, as well as the number of respondents who were deterred by the flooding in Yellowstone and the ticketed-entry system in Glacier.


Montana Travel Region & Counties - Economic Contribution Of 2021/2022 Averaged Nonresident Travel Spending, Kara Grau Jun 2023

Montana Travel Region & Counties - Economic Contribution Of 2021/2022 Averaged Nonresident Travel Spending, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Nonresidents now spend over $5 billion in Montana each year. This report looks at the distribution of spending across Montana's six travel regions, as well as 18 of the 56 counties with the highest spending based on an average of 2021 and 2022 spending data.


Snowmobile Recreation In Western Montana, Liam Harry, Melissa Weddell Jun 2023

Snowmobile Recreation In Western Montana, Liam Harry, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report is a summary of recreation snowmobilers in Western Montana regarding their visitor characteristics and demographics. The Institute forTourism and Recreation Research (ITRR) conducted surveys of snowmobilers to understand the profile and general characteristics of this user group.


2022 Estimates - Nonresident Visitation, Expenditures, And Economic Contribution, Kara Grau Apr 2023

2022 Estimates - Nonresident Visitation, Expenditures, And Economic Contribution, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report is a collection of estimates of 2022 nonresident visitation to Montana, expenditures by nonresident travelers in the state, and the contribution to Montana's economy of that traveler spending. Included are estimates by full year, quarter, trip purposed, and other visitor segments.


The Montana Travel Industry - 2022 Summary, Melissa Weddell Apr 2023

The Montana Travel Industry - 2022 Summary, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

2022 summary infographic of the Montana travel and recreation industry.


Applications Of Travel And Tourism Research - 2023 Montana Governor's Conference, Melissa Weddell, Jim Auer, Matthew Pettigrew, Kara Grau Apr 2023

Applications Of Travel And Tourism Research - 2023 Montana Governor's Conference, Melissa Weddell, Jim Auer, Matthew Pettigrew, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

2023 Montana Governor's Conference on Tourism and Recreation jointly presented session, with ITRR and MT Department of Commerce staff.


Montana Travel Regions & Counties - Economic Contribution Of 2019/2021 Averaged Nonresident Travel Spending, Kara Grau Mar 2023

Montana Travel Regions & Counties - Economic Contribution Of 2019/2021 Averaged Nonresident Travel Spending, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Money spent by those traveling in Montana has a direct effect on businesses where spending occurs, and it ripples throughout the state's economy from there. Statewide, spending by nonresident visitors (averaged over two years - 2019 and 2021) totaled $4.48 billion. This report details the methods and results of the economic impact analyses for each of Montana's six travel regions, as well as analyses for counties in which nonresident travelers spent approximately $50 million or more.


Montana Travel Experience Survey - Final Summary Report, Glenna Brown, Kara Grau, Megan Schultz Feb 2023

Montana Travel Experience Survey - Final Summary Report, Glenna Brown, Kara Grau, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This summary report highlights select findings from the nonresident 2021-2022 Montana Travel Experience Survey. Nonresident travelers who were interviewed by a surveyor in the state were given this survey along with the Nonresident Travel Survey after completing an in-person “Front End” survey at a gas station, rest area, or airport. Through June, 2022, 1,327 surveys were collected. Questions included topics related to visitors’ use of public lands, trip planning, and questions for first time and repeat visitors.


Montana Residents: Attitudes Towards Tourism 2022 & Resident Perceptions Of Community Disaster Preparedness, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew, Glenna Brown Feb 2023

Montana Residents: Attitudes Towards Tourism 2022 & Resident Perceptions Of Community Disaster Preparedness, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew, Glenna Brown

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report is a summary of Montana residents' attitudes towards tourism within the state. Since 1992, ITRR has asked residents questions specific to their attitudes towards tourism. This study was conducted to continue tracking the perception of the tourism industry in Montana, as well as expanding the original survey to include topics such as the perceived economic benefit tourism provides to local communities, crowding at the local community level, as well as questions focused on amenities to support tourism, and disaster preparedness.


Understanding Visitor Recreation Experiences On Montana's Public Lands, Kara Grau, Megan Schultz, Glenna Brown, Melissa Weddell Jan 2023

Understanding Visitor Recreation Experiences On Montana's Public Lands, Kara Grau, Megan Schultz, Glenna Brown, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The grandeur of Montana’s public lands attracts visitors from all over the world who want to experience the beautiful parks, wilderness, wildlife, and waters. Montana is ranked 10th in the nation in federal land ownership, with about 30% or 27 million acres, followed by state agencies that manage a little over 5 million acres. Moreover, Montana is the gateway to the iconic Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks.


Assessing The Impact Of The Yellowstone Tv Series On Montana's Tourism Economy, Patrick Barkey, Melissa Weddell Jan 2023

Assessing The Impact Of The Yellowstone Tv Series On Montana's Tourism Economy, Patrick Barkey, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The hugely successful and popular dramatic television show Yellowstone, which portrays the fictional Dutton family ranch in Montana, has sparked the interest of a worldwide audience in our state. In addition to its critical and commercial success, the show has emerged as a significant factor in the marketing of Montana, with its more than 10 million viewers treated to storylines, characters and scenery of the mountain west. How has the show’s success affected the arrival and subsequent spending of visitors to the state? A new study jointly produced by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) and the Institute …


The Montana Travel Industry 2021, Melissa Weddell Dec 2022

The Montana Travel Industry 2021, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

2021 summary of the Montana travel and recreation industry.


The Montana Expression 2021: Resident Employment, Relocation, And Outdoor Recreation During Covid-19, Megan Schultz, Carter Bermingham Jul 2021

The Montana Expression 2021: Resident Employment, Relocation, And Outdoor Recreation During Covid-19, Megan Schultz, Carter Bermingham

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report is a summary of Montana residents and their self-reported use of public lands and waterways during 2020 compared to previous years. Data were collected from January 1st to March 31st of 2021. As a result of the pandemic, the number of people participating in outdoor recreation in certain parts of the country increased significantly – Montana being one of those places. Public lands and waterways, like state and federally managed parks, reported record visitation numbers for some months of 2020. In addition, anecdotal reports from public land managers and tourism partners also suggests that the level of use …


Using Tourism To Recruit New Business: Tourism’S Role In Economic Development, Jeremy L. Sage Jul 2020

Using Tourism To Recruit New Business: Tourism’S Role In Economic Development, Jeremy L. Sage

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The purpose of this study is to unveil the additional benefits that tourism brings to the state beyond the direct spending of the visitor. To achieve this purpose, we draw on two separate survey efforts. The first, and primary, effort is an online survey of business owners and managers in Montana. The second survey is a random intercept of Montanans asking some similar questions regarding their perceived importance ratings of a variety of factors related to living in Montana and, if they own a business, to their decision to operate in the state. Quality of life, and in particular outdoor …


Canadian Travelers - Why They Visit Montana, Carter Bermingham, Glenna Hartman, Norma P. Nickerson Feb 2020

Canadian Travelers - Why They Visit Montana, Carter Bermingham, Glenna Hartman, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

In the past five years, the number of Canadian visitors to Montana and their expenditure totals have decreased. This report highlights the characteristics of Canadian travelers to Montana, along with accompanying analysis of recent literature and statistics that attempt to provide some explanation for these observed trends. Results confirm that that the exchange rate is the largest contributing factor to decreases in Canadian visitors to the state.


Montana's Outfitting Industry - 2017 Economic Contribution And Industry-Client Analysis, Jeremy L. Sage, Carter Bermingham, Norma P. Nickerson Nov 2018

Montana's Outfitting Industry - 2017 Economic Contribution And Industry-Client Analysis, Jeremy L. Sage, Carter Bermingham, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

In recent years, nonresident visitor spending on outfitters and guides has surpassed that of spending on retail goods, making it the fourth highest spending category behind only fuel, lodging, and dining out. This rise comes despite only five to six percent of the visiting population taking part in these activities. This observation reiterates findings from the 2007 Montana Outfitter and Guide study characterizing the outfitting industry as high value, low impact.

Though a small percent of visiting groups take part in some type of guided or outfitted experience, those who do stay longer and spend more per day. In 2017, …


The Montana Expression 2018: Mt Residents’ Use Of Fishing Access Sites & Public Lands And Waterways Values, Kara Grau, Megan Schultz Mar 2018

The Montana Expression 2018: Mt Residents’ Use Of Fishing Access Sites & Public Lands And Waterways Values, Kara Grau, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report presents information gathered via surveys of Montana residents regarding their use of Fishing Access Sites in the state and their values related to public lands and waterways.


Trail Usage And Value - A Helena, Mt Case Study, Jeremy L. Sage, Norma P. Nickerson Feb 2018

Trail Usage And Value - A Helena, Mt Case Study, Jeremy L. Sage, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

The Mt. Ascension and Mt. Helena trail network provide a valuable outdoor recreation amenity to residents of, and visitors to, Helena. This report identifies the use and value of the trail system. Though 78 percent of trail use is by local residents, visitors to the region who used the trail system for hiking or biking spent over $4 million in the local area in the summer of 2017 (May-September).


The Montana Expression 2017: 2017’S Costly Fire Season, Jeremy L. Sage, Norma P. Nickerson Dec 2017

The Montana Expression 2017: 2017’S Costly Fire Season, Jeremy L. Sage, Norma P. Nickerson

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Montana, along with many western states, experienced a severe fire season in the summer of 2017. According to the Northern Rockies Coordination Center (NRCC), fires consumed 1,276,456 acres of Montana lands. Nearly half of these lands are U.S. Forest Service owned (Table 1). The severity of the fire season led Montana’s Governor, Steve Bullock, to declare a state of emergency at the beginning of September. At this time, the state had already exceeded the $30 million in its firefighting fund by $14.5 million.1 The NRCC estimates the total costs of fighting Montana’s wildfires topped $390 million.2 The combination of extreme …