Montana tourism industry hopes to raise its profile

When the Montana Legislature meets every two years, the tourism industry girds for battle.

Assaults on the state’s 4 percent lodging tax are as predictable as a legislative DUI scandal.

Despite its status as the state’s No. 2 or 3 industry, tourism gets scant respect from legislators who regularly propose bills to chip away at the revenue stream that allows Montana and its six tourism regions to promote the state to the traveling public.

"Every two years we all get upset and run to Helena," said Steve Wahrlich, a Billings hotel owner.

By LORNA THACKERAY Of The Gazette Staff

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