Montana tourism industry sees uptick in 2013

Increasingly, visitors to Montana are looking for more authentic encounters — more personal interaction, said Sarah Lawlor, spokeswoman for the Montana Tourism office.

"The tourism industry in Montana takes pride in offering that kind of experience," she said.

The state’s promotion arm has plastered Seattle, Chicago, Salt Lake City and Portland, Ore., with big, bold images of Montana’s great outdoors in a campaign with proven results, she said.

"We’re going to continue to have a presence in those markets," Lawlor said.

An effective marketing campaign, combined with an improving economy and stable gas prices, could translate to another good season in 2013, the veteran tourism official said.

"It’s honestly looking like a pretty positive atmosphere out there," she said.

By Lorna Thackeray

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