Tourism numbers on the rise

MINERAL COUNTY - It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

No, it’s not Christmas but for Mineral County, the warmer weather and flowing rivers bring travelers and sightseers from all over the country to rest and relax in one of the most prime spots for nature - the Lolo National Forest.

Although the official numbers from 2013 are not available as of yet, a survey of 69,000 out-of-state travelers who spent at least one night in the county last year was released.

Fifty percent of those travelers stopped in Superior after first arriving in Montana, while 33 percent of those tourists were from Washington, according to Glacier Country Tourism.

Mineral County saw a two percent increase in bed tax collections, where Montana as a state had a five percent increase compared to 2012, according to Racene Friede, executive director for Glacier Country Tourism.

The bed tax is different from a sales tax where lodging establishments can charge extra fees for visitors.

“These collections are based on a four percent lodging facility use tax which is assessed on all overnight accommodations including public and private campgrounds,” Friede said.

The tourist numbers are researched by the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research. The data collected is often not released in a timely manner which is why the exact numbers for 2013 are still in limbo, Friede said.

“2013 was a strong travel and tourism year based on big picture reports and conversations with local and community leaders and businesses,” Friede said.

In 2012, it is estimated that non-resident visitors spent $20.6 million in Mineral County, according to ITRR. Of that, 63 percent was spent on fuel, 16 percent on retail, 7 percent in bars and restaurants, hotels and motels accounted for 5 percent, and the rest was spent on camping, outfitting, groceries, licenses and fees.

“We anticipate another strong year in 2014 with similar numbers,” Friede said. “Businesses are reporting strong reservations across the state as well.”

Friede said that in addition to tracking out-of-state visitors, she would eventually like to see where Montana residents spend the most of their free time across the state. However, she said that rural counties do not have the data to support that idea.

Even though those rural areas do not keep estimated travel data, Friede said she would anticipate that Mineral County would have strong visitation numbers for in-state travel.

The 2013 survey also concluded that 42 percent of those visitors head over to Glacier National Park. Many of those who are coming from the west pass through Mineral County. The research showed that 65 percent spent some time camping within the county as well.

People aren’t spending a significant amount of travel time in Mineral County, but the numbers indicate it’s enough to generate some additional income from heavy tourist traffic in the summer months.

“Mineral County is truly a gem with incredible recreation opportunities and local businesses that provide warm and authentic experiences,” Friede said.