In Eastern Montana, locals look to tourism to soften blow of lost oil dollars

There’s a term for visitors who come to an area seeking direct connection with local people, landmarks and customs: geo-tourists.

While oil prices lifted a little last week at news of OPEC production cuts, drilling in the Bakken shale in nearby North Dakota is far below levels from a few years ago.

So people here are looking to attract more visitors to experience something permanent in this area, the raw beauty of rural Montana — and spend money.

By ERIK OLSON [email protected]

Full Story: http://billingsgazette.com/business/in-eastern-montana-locals-look-to-tourism-to-soften-blow/article_20734609-f859-56df-8c18-704d6d850a08.html