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Articles 31 - 60 of 112

Full-Text Articles in Nature and Society Relations

2024 Estimates - Nonresident Visitation, Expenditures, And Economic Contribution, Kara Grau May 2025

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

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report is a collection of estimates of 2024 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 purpose, and other visitor segments.


The Montana Travel Industry - 2024 Summary, Melissa Weddell May 2025

The Montana Travel Industry - 2024 Summary, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

2024 summary infographic of the Montana travel and recreation industry.


Montana Residents' Attitudes Towards Tourism - 2024, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew, Jayce Beck May 2025

Montana Residents' Attitudes Towards Tourism - 2024, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew, Jayce Beck

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

A summary of Montana residents' attitudes towards tourism from the 2024 season. Overall, results from this study show that, in general, Montana residents hold a positive yet balanced attitude towards tourism within the state. For example, a majority of residents feel that the benefits of tourism outweigh the negative impacts, while also being in strong agreement that tourism promotion by the state provides an economic benefit to their community. At the same time, over 40% of respondents felt that the state was becoming overcrowded because of the number of tourists, while close to half felt that their community was dealing …


Montana Hot Springs 2024 – Insights From Mobile Location Data, Kika Bradford May 2025

Montana Hot Springs 2024 – Insights From Mobile Location Data, Kika Bradford

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Research note presenting insights into activity at Montana’s commercial hot springs based on mobile location data. Drawing from data provided by Azira and visualized through Rove dashboards, the analysis reveals seasonal trends, average visitor stay durations, peak visiting times, and more.


Harnessing Data To Shape Montana's Tourism Narrative – 2024 Montana Governor's Conference, Melissa Weddell, Kara Grau, Megan Schultz May 2025

Harnessing Data To Shape Montana's Tourism Narrative – 2024 Montana Governor's Conference, Melissa Weddell, Kara Grau, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

No abstract provided.


Montana Agritourism In 2024: Opportunities And Challenges In A Changing Landscape, Glenna Hartman, Elena Bigart, Ava Worbets, Hilary Faxon, Melissa Weddell Mar 2025

Montana Agritourism In 2024: Opportunities And Challenges In A Changing Landscape, Glenna Hartman, Elena Bigart, Ava Worbets, Hilary Faxon, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Agritourism is a growing industry that offers Montana’s farmers and ranchers an opportunity to supplement their income, preserve agricultural heritage, and foster public engagement with rural communities. With Montana’s rich agricultural history, expansive landscapes, and growing tourism sector, agritourism is uniquely positioned to thrive, benefiting both producers and local economies. This report highlights the opportunities, challenges, and future potential of agritourism in Montana, based on research and survey data from farmers, ranchers, and community stakeholders.


Montana Resident Report: In-State And Out-Of-State Travel Q2 2024, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew, Jayce Beck Feb 2025

Montana Resident Report: In-State And Out-Of-State Travel Q2 2024, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew, Jayce Beck

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

A summary of Montana residents’ self-reported travel behavior, both in-state and out-of-state, for 2024.


Human-Bear Conflicts In Western Montana: Mapping Attractants And Prevention Efforts, Jessica Nichole Reyes Jan 2025

Human-Bear Conflicts In Western Montana: Mapping Attractants And Prevention Efforts, Jessica Nichole Reyes

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Human-bear conflicts (conflicts) are rising across North America, largely due to the expansion of the wildland-urban interface into bear habitat. These conflicts are driven by ecological and human factors, including habitat fragmentation, loss of natural food sources and the widespread availability of human-related attractants such as garbage, fruit trees, and bird feeders. While studies increasingly examine the ecological and spatial predictors of conflicts, fewer have explored how attractant types, land cover changes, and local geography shape conflict trends. Montana communities have long managed bear conflicts, but recent increases in incidents and human-caused bear mortalities—alongside expanding grizzly bear populations—have prompted growing …


A Social-Ecological Justice Approach To Ecotourism: Examples From Cockpit Country, Jamaica, Laurel Ann C. Curry Jan 2025

A Social-Ecological Justice Approach To Ecotourism: Examples From Cockpit Country, Jamaica, Laurel Ann C. Curry

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Ecotourism aims to support local social, ecological, and economic systems sustainably, but its implementation often perpetuates social and environmental injustices. This work applies a new social-ecological justice (SEJ) framework to ecotourism, combining Pope et al.’s holistic approach with principles like ecological stewardship, economic repositioning, and collaboration tailored to specific contexts. Importantly, basic capabilities for full functioning of humans and other species were used in this research to measure areas of justice and injustice. Using a case study approach with the Southern Trelawny Environmental Agency (STEA) in Jamaica's Cockpit Country, co-created interview data were analyzed to evaluate its ecotourism program’s alignment …


Indigenous Access And Use On Private Land: A Toolkit For Heart Of The Rockies Land Trust Members, Ian James Craighead Jan 2025

Indigenous Access And Use On Private Land: A Toolkit For Heart Of The Rockies Land Trust Members, Ian James Craighead

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.


Cooke City – Summer/Winter Visitor Data, Kara Grau, Melissa Weddell, Sophie Morris Dec 2024

Cooke City – Summer/Winter Visitor Data, Kara Grau, Melissa Weddell, Sophie Morris

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This research note summarizes the findings of ITRR’s Summer (2023) and Winter (2024) Cooke City Visitor Studies. Data was collected from visitors to the Cooke City, Montana, area to gain insight into who visits and what their visits entail. The following tables present travel group demographics and trip characteristics for visitors surveyed during both the summer and winter phases of the study.


Montana Resident Report: Tourism Impacts And Perceptions Of Recreation And Visitor Behavior Q1 2024, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew, Glenna Hartman Nov 2024

Montana Resident Report: Tourism Impacts And Perceptions Of Recreation And Visitor Behavior Q1 2024, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew, Glenna Hartman

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

A summary of Montana residents’ perceptions of others’ ability to appropriately participate in outdoor recreation. Other topics include community respect, as well as amenities and challenges presented from tourism.


Montana's Trail To The Stars: Understanding Stargazing In Eastern Montana And Beyond, Carter Bermingham, Ava Worbets, Melissa Weddell Nov 2024

Montana's Trail To The Stars: Understanding Stargazing In Eastern Montana And Beyond, Carter Bermingham, Ava Worbets, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Night sky recreation is an emerging yet relatively unexplored segment of the tourism industry within Montana. Despite being home to some of the darkest skies in the nation, little is known about those who choose to stargaze in Montana. This study was designed to gather insights from previous visitors to Montana to better understand night sky recreation in the state and how visitors perceive Montana’s night skies. Part of the research purpose also was to provide information on respondents who visited a site along Montana’s Trail to the Stars, a collaborative effort between Southeast Montana, Central Montana, and the Missouri …


Economic Contribution Of 2022/2023 Averaged Nonresident Travel Spending In Montana Travel Regions And Counties, Kara Grau Oct 2024

Economic Contribution Of 2022/2023 Averaged Nonresident Travel Spending In Montana Travel Regions And Counties, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Nonresidents 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 19 of the 56 counties with the highest spending based on an average of 2022 and 2023 spending data.


Itrr Presentation: Latest Updates For The Tourism Advisory Council (Tac), October 2024, Melissa Weddell Oct 2024

Itrr Presentation: Latest Updates For The Tourism Advisory Council (Tac), October 2024, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

ITRR Presentation: Latest Updates for the Tourism Advisory Council (TAC)


Clark Fork River Pedal & Farm Tour, Plains, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz, Rebekah Ficek Oct 2024

Clark Fork River Pedal & Farm Tour, Plains, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz, Rebekah Ficek

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2024 Clark Fork River Pedal & Farm Tour. 43 participants completed online surveys. The 2024 Clark Fork River Pedal & Farm Tour in Plains, Montana, attracted a diverse group of visitors, with 60.5% from Montana and 39.5% from out of state. The event was the primary reason for 91.7% of attendees’ visits, and 72.7% of non-local participants stayed at least one night, averaging 2.84 nights. This led to significant spending, particularly on accommodations and dining, totaling $6,524.00. Overall satisfaction was high, with 85.7% indicating they would …


Montanafair 2024, Billings, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz, Rebekah Ficek Oct 2024

Montanafair 2024, Billings, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz, Rebekah Ficek

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for MetraPark to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees of the 2024 MontanaFair. 606 attendees of the event completed the survey. Results show that 97.8% of respondents were residents of Montana, of which 93.2% were from Yellowstone County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 3.51 nights in Billings, reporting a total spending of $32,547.00, mostly in hotel/motel/bed and breakfasts. Results provide event organizers with useful data for future event planning, making improvements to the event, event marketing/promotion, and understanding the visitor spending associated with the event.


East Helena Valley Rodeo 2024, East Helena, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz Sep 2024

East Helena Valley Rodeo 2024, East Helena, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for the East Helena Valley Rodeo Association to provide insight into the characteristics of attendees at the 2024 East Helena Valley Rodeo. Surveys were completed by 554 attendees during and after the event using a tablet, paper surveys, and online link. Results show that 96.2% of respondents were residents of Montana, with 86.1% of these Montana residents from Lewis and Clark County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 4.16 in the East Helena area/Lewis and Clark County and more people spent money on accommodations ($15,639) and restaurant/bar ($11,833) than any other spending categories. In total, respondents …


Smeltermen's Day Weekend 2024, Anaconda, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz Sep 2024

Smeltermen's Day Weekend 2024, Anaconda, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This study was conducted for Discover Anaconda to provide insights into the characteristics of attendees of the Smeltermen’s Day Weekend 2024. Surveys were completed by 79 attendees of the event. Results show that 86.1% of respondents were residents of Montana, with 66.2% from Deer Lodge County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 4 nights in Deer Lodge County, reporting a total spending of $21,566.00, primarily in accommodations, restaurants, and gasoline. The study provides event organizers and Discover Anaconda with valuable data for future event planning, improving the event experience, refining marketing strategies, and understanding the economic impact of visitor spending …


Itrr Annual Report - 2023, Melissa Weddell Sep 2024

Itrr Annual Report - 2023, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

Within this report, you will discover a comprehensive overview of our past and future research projects, travel and outdoor recreation information, and behind-the-scenes stories of our impact. By transparently sharing our work, we aim to foster stakeholder engagement that supports rigorous and impartial research focused on continuous improvement. Reflecting on 37 years of milestones, ITRR has evolved and flourished through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering mission to serve Montanans.


Montana Folk Festival 2024, Butte, Montana, Kika Bradford, Megan Schultz Sep 2024

Montana Folk Festival 2024, Butte, Montana, Kika Bradford, 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 2024 Montana Folk Festival. Paper surveys were completed by 567 attendees of the event. Results show that over 80% of respondents were residents of Montana, of which 18% were from Butte-Silver Bow County. Out-of-county respondents spent an average of 3.3 nights in Butte-Silver Bow County, reporting a total spending of $130,608.00, mostly in hotel/motel/bed and breakfasts. Results provide event organizers and Mainstreet Uptown Butte with useful data for future event planning, making improvements to the event, event marketing/promotion, and understanding …


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.


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.


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.


2024 Bber Economic Seminar - Montana Tourism Outlook Presentation, Melissa Weddell Jan 2024

2024 Bber Economic Seminar - Montana Tourism Outlook Presentation, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

No abstract provided.


The Green Rush – How Montana's Outdoor Economy Fuels Sustainable Tourism, Melissa Weddell Jan 2024

The Green Rush – How Montana's Outdoor Economy Fuels Sustainable Tourism, Melissa Weddell

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

No abstract provided.


The Resilient Rebound Of Tourism To Sustainable Levels, Melissa Weddell, Kara Grau Jan 2024

The Resilient Rebound Of Tourism To Sustainable Levels, Melissa Weddell, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

No abstract provided.


A Tale Of Two Working Landscapes, Sage C. Sutcliffe Jan 2024

A Tale Of Two Working Landscapes, Sage C. Sutcliffe

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.


Living Among Wildlife: Elevating Human-Wildlife Interactions And Coexistence, Bridget Rebecca Murphy Dec 2023

Living Among Wildlife: Elevating Human-Wildlife Interactions And Coexistence, Bridget Rebecca Murphy

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

After a semester of learning, both in class and in nature, my writing honed in further on this human-nature divide. To me, I see humans as part of nature – as we are mammals, animals, part of the food chain, biological beings no higher than others on our planet. We have simply constructed this false narrative around us within our societies, minds and media that embeds this division between us and nature, between us and wildlife. Humans have been managing, stewarding, living off and within landscapes for thousands of years. As time and technology evolved, a lot of people began …