MONTANA TOURISM

Understand the visitor economy and your role in making Southwest Montana a destination people love.

CUSTOMER SERVICE BASICS

Master the core skills of hospitality, from first impressions to handling difficult situations with grace.

STEWARDSHIP & RESOURCES

Learn how to guide guests in caring for Montana's landscapes, wildlife, and communities responsibly.

ABOUT THE COURSE

This course was designed for the people on the front lines of Montana's visitor experience: the hotel staff who make travelers feel at home, the restaurant teams who turn a meal into a memory, and the guides who introduce guests to some of the most spectacular country. The course is entirely self-paced, accessible on any device, and completely free. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate from Southwest Montana Tourism, a credential that demonstrates commitment to delivering a world-class guest experience. 

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PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY SOUTHWEST MONTANA TOURISM

Southwest Montana Tourism represents nine Montana counties and the remarkable communities within them. Nestled between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, our region is defined by world-class trout fishing, stunning mountain landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a history as rich as any vein in the Rockies. Montana hospitality is genuine by nature. It's woven into the laid-back, authentic way of life that locals live every day and that visitors feel the moment they arrive.  We're proud to offer this course free of charge to any business in our corner of Montana, because we know that when you show up for your guests, Southwest Montana becomes a sought after destination for all.

COURSE OVERVIEW

7 Chapters · 44 Lessons

  1. 1

    Getting Started

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome & Course Benefits

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      What You'll Learn

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome Survey

  2. 2

    The Importance and Impact of Tourism

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Why Tourism Matters

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Personal Reflection

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      The Ripple Effect of Tourism

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Tourism Dollars at Work an Infographic Discussion

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Challenges of Managing Tourism Growth Responsibly

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Reflection: Destinations Becoming too Popular

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Responsible Tourism Scenarios

  3. 3

    Customer Service Basics

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      The Power of a Great First Impression

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Quick Poll

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Asking the Right Questions

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Practice

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Framing Your Questions

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Discussion: Examples of Recommendations

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Responding to Challenging Questions

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Handling Challenging Visitor Questions

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Loyalty, Reviews & Reputation

  4. 4

    Stewardship & Resources

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Destination Stewardship

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Recreate Responsibly

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Bear Aware in Montana

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz: Recreating in Bear Country

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Aquatic Invasive Species

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Montana Conservation License

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Being Prepared

  5. 5

    Local Knowledge and Using Resources Effectively

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Why Local Knowledge Matters

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Match the Visitor with the Right Experience

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Resource: Southwest Montana Maps

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Talking About Your Community with Confidence

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Reflection: Share Your Recommendations

  6. 6

    Getting to Know the Communities of Southwest Montana

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Get to Know Southwest Montana

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Virginia City & Nevada City

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      3 Things You Could Tell a Visitor

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Dillon

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Anaconda

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Philipsburg

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Making Recommendations in Our Communities

  7. 7

    Wrap Up

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Congratulations

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Recap Quiz

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Closing Survey

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Additional Resources

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Share Your Accomplishment

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

Hear from Montana tourism and hospitality professionals who have already completed the course.

”
I managed Montana's Superhost customer service training program for years. This is the best online option I've seen. It's fun, informative, and provides front line employees with the skills they need to succeed.
Shawn P.

Former Superhost Program Manager | Helena, MT

Helena Firetower
"I would highly recommend this training! It provides a great overview of the region and highlights the many benefits of tourism. We live in an amazing place, and this program is a fantastic resource for helping us celebrate and share that with others."
Jazlyn Y.

Visit Helena, Visitor Services Coordinator

Madison River
"I've absolutely loved putting this course together, I hope it brings the importance of customer service front and center while providing true value to businesses and invdividuals!"
Katya P.

Tourism Ambassador Trainer

”
"I’ve spent a lot of time in Southwest Montana, so I wasn’t expecting to learn as much as I did. The course was easy to fit into my schedule, and the content was genuinely useful. If you’re connected to Southwest Montana tourism in any way, this course is absolutely worth your time."
Alyssa S.

Digital Marketing Coordinator | Helena, MT