Tourism officers in Nice Falls excited to rebound in 2021

BIG FALLS – Great Falls tourism representatives are excited about 2021 and the opportunities it brings for travelers.

Great Falls Montana Tourism Director Rebecca Engum says while it’s a calendar year, the organization’s fiscal year will reset on July 1st.

You’re approaching a full year without initiating the usual events like Western Art Week, Downtown Summer Jam, Montana State Fair, and the PRCA Pro Rodeo Circuit Finale in Montana. The PRCA event was moved to Kalispell this year due to Covid-19. She said last year that around 9,000 tickets were sold during the three-day rodeo event in Great Falls. The demand for rooms also rose 12% this week.

Great Falls Tourism halted marketing efforts at the beginning of the pandemic. They then emphasized the safe return to the treasury by following the county’s health guidelines and mandates.

Engum says that not only do they see new faces in town, but they also miss returning neighbors from the north. About 20% of travelers who stayed at Great Falls were from Alberta.

“Closing that border was really a challenge for us,” she said. “Canadian travelers come year round for shopping and entertainment and that’s why we really missed them in our market.”

The tourism office became eligible for funding for the federal paycheck protection program this month. They also apply for grants that continue to support operations.

The office is currently working with Great Falls International Airport for a Small Community Air Service Development Grant.

Engum says the grant will bring more flight options to Great Falls.