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BrandMT shifts toward tourism development under SB 540; department reports new grants and Rural pilot program
Summary
After implementation of Senate Bill 540, BrandMT officials told the appropriations subcommittee they have reoriented lodging-facility tax spending from promotion toward tourism development that prioritizes rural and under-visited areas and community-driven grants.
Deputy Director Mandy Rambo and BrandMT Chief Marketing Officer Mitch Staley told the appropriations subcommittee that Senate Bill 540 restructured how Montana deploys lodging/facility tax revenue and shifted BrandMTfrom a promotion-only posture toward tourism development and management focused on rural and under-visited areas.
Rambo summarized the legislative change and the division's implementation steps: defining "rural" and "under-visited" areas with industry stakeholders; creating seven new programs and administrative rules; and launching a strategic plan to direct funds toward community-led projects. She said more than 50% of lodging-facility use dollars go back to Montana communities in grants and that BrandMT spends under 20% of its bed-tax allocation on…
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