The Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program (Office of Tourism – Montana Department of Commerce)
Supporting Montana Communities Through the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program
The Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research (ITRR) is proud to support Montana communities participating in the state-funded Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program (PCTGP), an initiative created by the 2023 Montana Legislature through Senate Bill 540. This program provides a unique opportunity for communities to enhance their economic vibrancy, foster sustainability, and celebrate the unique qualities that make them special destinations.
How ITRR is Supporting Communities
ITRR is committed to empowering communities with the research and tools needed to build sustainable tourism. Here’s how we’re helping communities make the most of this grant program:
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Applying for grants often requires detailed research and data. ITRR is assisting communities by providing research tailored to their needs, ensuring grant applications are well-informed and competitive.
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To align tourism investments with local and visitor priorities, ITRR has developed surveys for both community members and visitors.
ITRR Research Support
Community Research: Gather insights from residents about what types of tourism-related investments they value most.
Visitor Research: Help communities understand the types of visitors they attract, their preferences, and their perspectives on the destination.
Pre/Post Measurement for Long-term Impact: To ensure ongoing progress, ITRR is providing pre- and post-program surveys. These surveys measure changes in community perceptions, visitor feedback, and the impact of tourism-related investments over time.
Working Together
The Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program enables Montana communities to develop regional visions, harness the benefits of tourism, and build on their unique strengths. ITRR’s support ensures that this process is rooted in data-driven decisions and measurable outcomes, helping communities achieve sustainable growth while preserving the qualities that make them truly special.
Together, we’re building a more vibrant, resilient future for Montana. For more information about ITRR’s support for this program, contact us today.
Resources for Applicants
- The is an online toolkit to provide strategies for success in achieving intersecting goals of healthy communities, high quality of life, robust businesses, resilient economies, and vibrant outdoor places.
- The [pdf] is a workbook designed to link communities, tourism, and conservation with tools that are research-based and reflect principles of sustainable and ecotourism development.
- [pdf] is a provincial tourism product development plan to reach a people and program-based collective tourism vision to increase tourism visitation and spending.
- [pdf] is a handbook on tourism product development that includes model approaches for various and unique destinations.
- The provides how-to videos on destination marketing and development topics, including case studies and new ideas to supercharge tourism efforts.
- Using the Main Street America Approach to downtown revitalization, the offers technical assistance to communities striving for economic vitality while maintaining local historic integrity, quality of life, and a sense of place.
- Montana Nonprofit Association:
- Landing page for PCTGP: