It looks as if many communities like Bozeman, where the tourism plays such a crucial part in the local economy have several things to look forward to according to industry analysts. U.S. Travel Outlook recently posted a report by Suzanne Cook, the Senior Advisor of the U.S. Travel Association.
In this report she explained important topics in-depth and how analysts believe 2011 to be the year that America starts its climb back towards a prosperous economy.
Some positives we found:
1. “Retail sales strengthened in the later months of the year” – U.S. Department of Commerce
2. Evidence that Americans now appear more optimistic about the economic outlook for the upcoming year.
3. Air travel demand also picked up in the U.S. – Air Transport Association of America (ATA)
4. The latest Rubicon Perspective also indicates that room rates are improving and finally approaching pre-recession levels.
Some negatives we found:
1. Over the past few years, consumers have come to expect a plethora of travel deals and bargains – 2011 may be the last year to find many of these as travel suppliers begin to raise rates and fares in earnest.
2. Weak signs, and downside risks remain – financial troubles in Europe could spill over into U.S. markets
In a town like Bozeman where lodging and American tourism is so important it was hard to not find the good in this report. We have several lodging options and we hope to see them filled throughout our strongest part of the year – the summer. When Bozeman is flowing with fishermen/fisherwomen, mountain bikers, hikers and avid outdoor adventurers – the entire community wins. They participate in the local economy helping to keep our downtown core strong, which includes: locally owned restaurants that used locally grown products by local Bozeman residents who call our beautiful community home.
Downtown Bozeman 
I use the parking garage. It is a good thing.