In 2010, a group of 10 passionate hoteliers formed the Missoula Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) to enhance Missoula’s vibrant economic growth and promote local tourism. Over the years the number of participating hoteliers has consistently increased, until July of 2019, when the TBID expanded to a citywide district. In partnership with Destination Missoula, this innovative funding source provides additional funds to recruit visitors, meetings, conferences and events to Missoula.

The funding mechanism for the TBID is a flat fee assessment (currently $2.00) per occupied room night. All TBID funds stay local and can only be used by the TBID for the promotion of tourism in Missoula. These funds enhance Missoula’s marketing and sales efforts, tourism and economic research, and provide grant opportunities to event organizers.

The TBID has worked hard to build a strong alliance in the Missoula tourism community. The collaborative efforts of the TBID board, Destination Missoula, and participating hotels have already proven successful. They have assisted in the solidification of both conventions and sporting events that have taken place in Missoula, such as the USA Women’s Gymnastics Level 9 Western National Championships, Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Montana Special Olympics State Summer Games, USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships, and Region V Power of One Conference. Since its inception in 2011, the Missoula TBID Grand Fund has awarded 83 events resulting in an economic impact of over 29 million dollars to the Missoula community.

The TBID is currently working with the Missoula Montana Airport and Missoula Economic Partnership to bring low-cost air carriers to Missoula. In 2014, the flight guaranty program successfully brought Frontier Airlines into the market providing non-stop flights to Denver, CO. Take Flight, Missoula’s guaranty program, also brought American Airlines into the market in 2018, adding significantly more seats from American and competitive airlines, but also larger aircraft and lower prices. The TBID commits $50,000.00 a year towards our flight guaranty program to encourage continued air service growth.

Tourism equals economic growth and vitality. The Tourism Business Improvement District is proud of our part in keeping our community strong!