Economic impact of Missoula tourism at $360M; most taxes go to state’s general fund

While visitation and tourism took a hit during the pandemic, Montana emerged as a safe getaway with its sparse population and open spaces.

Missoula captured its share of that traffic and its tourism arm at Destination Missoula is now working to push visitation and spending back to pre-pandemic levels – an investment into the jobs and taxes it brings back to the community.

Barb Neilan, executive director at Destination Missoula, said tourism accounts for $294 million in direct expenditures in Missoula each year, and $360 million in total economic impact in visitor spending. It’s up to Destination Missoula to promote the city and keep those numbers strong.

Martin Kidston/Missoula Current