OUTREACH: VOICES OF MONTANA TOURISM is an independent organization that serves as a united voice for Montana’s tourism stakeholders. Since its creation in 2011, Voices has led the effort with education and outreach to communicate the immense value a sustainably-grown tourism industry provides for all Montanans. Western Montana's Glacier Country was one of the many founding partners and continues to play an active role in the governance and oversight of its mission and supporting programs.
Funding for this organization comes from a variety of sources, including lodging tax. In 2017, Voices of Montana Tourism became a standalone 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It does not take positions on legislative issues.
LEGISLATIVE: TOURISM MATTERS TO MONTANA is a collaborative group made up of the tourism region, convention and visitor bureau (CVB) and tourism business improvement district (TBID) destination marketing organizations across Montana. It operates as a committee under the umbrella of Western Montana's Glacier Country, which is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. It acts as an independent committee with separate accounting. Funding comes from non-lodging tax sources including TBIDs, membership funds and resort tax areas.
Because Tourism Matters to Montana partners are often associated with chambers of commerce, economic development associations and other membership organizations, these two entities represent thousands of tourism businesses across Montana.
The primary purpose of Tourism Matters to Montana is legislative advocacy during both general and special sessions of the Montana legislature.
In 2018, Tourism Matters created a work group to bring tourism leaders from key sectors of the Montana tourism industry together to build and foster stronger relationships based on communication, collaboration and cooperation.
The staff at Western Montana's Glacier Country made me feel included from the first time I met them. Membership has provided me with great networking and educational opportunities that have positively benefitted my community and my business. I am very grateful for their expertise.