Why become a member of Visit Southwest Montana?
Montana plays host to 12 million visitors a year and Southwest Montana is one of six tourism regions that welcomes and entertains these guests.
Southwest Montana receives accommodations tax dollars from the state of Montana to promote the region through advertising and public relations efforts each year. These dollars are supplemented by membership funds. Collectively, the monies help the region promote on a regional, national and international level, which can be difficult for individual businesses or communities to do on their own.
Visit Southwest Montana promotes the region nationally and internationally through a number of efforts:
- A website that averages over 31,000 visitors per month.
- A travel guide distributed to over 135,000 people per year through our advertising programs, online efforts and on the ground in Montana.
- Print and digital advertising, social media and partnerships with the state and other regions.
- A number of cooperative advertising programs (next one due October 30, 2026) for members including:
- Advertising opportunities in the Southwest Montana Travel Planner.
- Direct email newsletters targeting people who have expressed interest in visiting Southwest Montana or Montana, specifically.
- Multiple free website listing opportunities on southwestmt.com and the region’s social media channels.
- Opportunity to supply content to the region’s social media team for Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
- Booth space and staff at Calgary and other regional travel shows.
- Publicity programs to solicit and assist travel writers.
- A call center that annually fields over 10,000 requests from people interested in visiting our area.
- Cooperative funding for tourism related projects within the nine counties in Southwest Montana.
- Free travel guides, state and regional maps, Lewis & Clark brochures and birding brochures upon request.
- Unified voice for legislative education and issues.
- Participation in region-wide brochure exchange.
- Network with travel and tourism professionals from around the area.
Who Is Visit Southwest Montana?
Visit Southwest Montana (SWMT) is one of Montana’s six official tourism regions. The organization is funded through a portion of Montana’s lodging facility use tax, which hotels, motels, short-term rentals, campgrounds, and other qualifying lodging facilities collect. Download a PDF of the lodging tax explanation.
SWMT promotes the visitor attractions and experiences found throughout nine counties: Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Granite, Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, Madison (excluding Big Sky), Powell, and Silver Bow.
SWMT operates as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization under the direction of a board of directors representing the counties within the region. The board meets quarterly, with additional in-person or virtual meetings held as needed. It reviews and approves the organization’s annual marketing plan and budget, which are developed according to guidelines established by the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development. The Governor-appointed Tourism Advisory Council provides final approval. SWMT’s fiscal year begins July 1.
Southwest Montana is known for its rich history, welcoming communities, wide-open spaces, and uncrowded outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore ghost towns, mining heritage, museums, hot springs, sapphire mining, scenic waterways, the Continental Divide Trail, and sites connected to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Montana’s territorial beginnings. The region also provides a natural connection between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
Visit Southwest Montana works with communities, attractions, lodging properties, restaurants, chambers of commerce, and tourism businesses to increase visitation and strengthen the regional economy. Its marketing efforts include digital advertising, social media, public relations, travel guides, videos, itineraries, and SouthwestMT.com.
SWMT also works closely with the Montana Department of Commerce and other destination marketing organizations on cooperative promotional campaigns that expand the reach and impact of Montana’s tourism marketing. The organization maintains a close working relationship with the Montana Film Office, helping ensure that Southwest Montana and its communities are prepared when film and television projects consider the region for production.
The organization also promotes responsible recreation and respect for public lands, wildlife, residents, and communities. Through training and industry resources, SWMT helps tourism businesses provide exceptional visitor experiences. Its goal is to inspire travelers to slow down, stay longer, explore lesser-known places, and experience the authentic people, landscapes, and stories of Southwest Montana.
Watch Duty’s real-time, map-based alerts keep you ready with an answer for fire or flood activity and how it affects travelers:
Web View | App Store | Google Play