Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research

The Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research conducts travel and recreation research in Montana, with a primary focus on the nonresident travel survey conducted throughout the state. ITRR is perhaps best known for producing the widely used statewide estimates of total nonresident visitation and travel expenditures, as well as visitor characteristics, in the state each year, along with the annual estimate of the economic contribution of nonresident travel to Montana’s economy. Read more about the nonresident travel survey and visitation and spending estimation models.

Interactive Data Spending & Economics Publications Most Recent Findings Survey Kit

ITRR Research Priorities

  • Economic Impact of Nonresident Travel
  • Visitor Characteristics and Expenditures
  • Social and Environmental Impacts of Tourism
  • Regional and Community Tourism Planning and Development
  • Niche Market Studies
  • Geotourism
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Travel and Recreation Yearly Outlook

Have an idea for a research project?

Each October we take ideas and questions related to tourism and recreation in Montana to the Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) Research Committee for approval. With your input, we can be sure ITRR's research is meeting the needs of those most interested in Montana's tourism and recreation industry.