Nonresident spending in 2017 was up 8.1 percent

Nonresident visitors spent $3.36 billion in Montana in 2017, despite wildfires that fouled skies with smoke for about a third of the summer, according to a recent analysis by Kara Grau of the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research.

The number one expenditure was fuel, at about $768 million, but restaurants and bars came in a close second at $666 million. Lodging accounted for $448 million and outfitters and guides were $373 million, eclipsing retail sales, which were $295 million. Groceries were $239 million, while licenses and entrance fees amounted to $192 million. Auto rentals were a $119 million business, while cabin and condo rentals were $83 million.

Visitors spent about $69.5 million on Made in Montana products and campgrounds amounted to $39 million.

Vehicle repairs rounded out the top 13 services at $24.95 million.

Farmer’s Markets were also popular — drawing in $3.5 million in sales.

All that commerce amounted to 38,890 direct jobs and another 6,380 jobs from indirect businesses made by travel-related businesses.

All told, with indirect spending, it’s estimated the total impact to Montana’s economy from nonresidents was $4.7 billion.

The study also looked at travel habits. Of the estimated 12.475 million travelers, about 4.493 million were on vacation, while another 2.273 million were visiting family, friends or relatives. About 3.65 million were just driving through and another 1.48 million were here on business.

Vacationers stayed about six nights, on average, as did those visiting family, friends or relatives. Those passing through only stayed a night, while business travelers stayed the longest on average — seven nights.

All told, 2017 expenditures were up 8.1 percent over last year, but adjusted for inflation, 2014 was actually the most robust year, with a little more than $4.049 billion in spending.

If fuel is taken out of the equation, $2.763 billion was spent in 2014, while $2.596 billion was spent this year. Last year, visitors spent $2.46 billion on non-fuel items.

Actual visitation, however, was up just one percent in 2017 over last year. Last year’s number of visitors was the most ever.

Most visitors to Montana are from the U.S., though Canada traffic is substantial, at 1.372 million. About 300,000 from overseas visited as well. Overseas visitors stayed the longest, averaging 5.82 nights. Canadians stayed 2.32 on average.