Casting a Wider Net – How travel and recreation in Montana benefit individuals, the economy, and the landscape.

As summer comes into full swing,
many Montanans will begin to get
outside and enjoy the mountains,
the rivers, or just the pleasant scenery from
their backyards.

The warmer months bring
with them a shift in economic activity linked
to travel and recreation throughout the state.
Increased economic activity from residents
and nonresidents in Montana has positive effects
on overall employment, individual wellbeing,
and the conservation of the natural
landscape that defines Montana.

This article
will explore the economic and demographic
characteristics of the jobs supported by travel
and recreation, the extent of and potential
reasons for recent employment growth, and
how these changes can benefit individuals and Montana as a whole.

BY WILLIE CONNELL, Economist, Department of Labor & Industry

Full Story: http://www.matr.net/files/MTTourismBenefits.pdf