HELENA — Leaders of Montana's tourism industry gathered to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week at the head of the Second Street Trail in Helena.
Members of the group know that travel isn't viable for almost all of the United States and chose to instead celebrate the future of their industry when COVID-19 is eventually a thing of the past.
"We're celebrating the spirit of travel, and we know that right now it's extremely difficult and almost impossible, in many respects, for people to be traveling," said Mike Mergenthaler with the Helena Chamber of Commerce
"We want people to know that once this changes and people are ready to get back out and do some more traveling, that we're here and we're able and willing and ready to accept our tourists again and welcome them to Montana and into our communities."
Members from all across the region gathered at the trail head that overlooks the Montana State Capitol building, standing in support of communities that depend on tourism.
"The wonderful thing about the travel and tourism industry is we support each other, and it's been really inspirational to see all the wonderful things that are coming out people supporting each other," said Racene Friede, President CEO of Glacier Country Tourism.
"We're here for them, and we want to just celebrate this week and let everyone know, the power of tourism not only in Montana, but across the world."
