The Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research (ITRR) conducts travel and recreation research in Montana, with a primary focus on the nonresident travel survey conducted throughout the state. ITRR is perhaps best known for producing the widely used statewide estimates of total nonresident visitation and travel expenditures, as well as visitor characteristics, in the state each year, along with the annual estimate of the economic contribution of nonresident travel to Montana’s economy. Read more about the nonresident travel survey and visitation and spending estimation models.
Get Involved
Curious about what we've been working on?
Introducing Research Roundup—a new series of quick, informative sessions where you can learn about recent projects, explore key findings, and ask questions. Click here to view + register for upcoming sessions!
We're hiring!
Love meeting new people? We've got a job for you! We’re looking for part-time surveyors to help gather valuable insights on nonresident visitors and resident travel & recreation. Click here to learn more!
Do you have a research idea? Please share with us!
ITRR is seeking your input on potential research projects that address the needs and opportunities across the state. We encourage you to submit ideas that are either statewide in scope or offer valuable case studies from local areas, allowing others to learn from their successes or challenges. Please click here to submit a research idea.
12.5 MILLION
people visited Montana in 2023.
Learn more here.
$5.45 BILLION
spent by Montana visitors in 2023.
Learn more here.
48,340 JOBS
supported by travel and tourism in Montana.
Learn more here.
96% OF MONTANANS
agree that outdoor recreation is important to their quality of life. Learn more here.
ITRR Research Priorities
- Economic Impact of Nonresident Travel
- Visitor Characteristics and Expenditures
- Social and Environmental Impacts of Tourism
- Regional and Community Tourism Planning
- Niche Research Studies
- Annual Travel and Recreation Yearly Outlook
