BILLINGS, MONTANA ---October 27, 1999--- In addition to the many attractions, accommodations facilities and entertainment options, Billings is also an affordable destination for groups/conventions. The fact that Billings has been listed as one of the most affordable places to live in the United States is also reflected in visitor's spending.

On a national average, the cost of a first class night's lodging would be $122. In Billings, visitors pay $69 for the same type of accommodations. The daily average for a room in Billings is only $52.31. Also, published in Facilities magazine, were the results of a study completed by Runzheimer International that stated visitors will pay the least amount for accommodations tax in Montana (4%) than any other place in the United States.

In addition, for every $1.32 spent in New York on goods and services, visitors will spend only $0.91 in Billings. "Groups/Conventions can enjoy the same quality of accommodations and facilities they will find in larger cities, but Billings presents a more affordable alternative," comments John Brewer, Director of the Billings Convention and Visitors Council.

Many of the attractions in Billings are also affordable to visit. Two museums in Billings that offer free admission are the Western Heritage Center and Peter Yegen, Jr. Yellowstone County Museum. Admission to the Moss Mansion, an historic home created in 1902, is $6 for adults, ZooMontana is $5 and Yellowstone Art Museum, an art center with a variety of contemporary and western art is $3. The Yellowstone Art Museum has recently completed a $6.2 million renovation and expansion project.

There are many hub & spoke opportunities available with low entrance fees including Pompeys Pillar, the only remaining physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition---Clark's signature carved in the sandstone bluff; Little Bighorn Battlefield, the site of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer's last stand against the Sioux and Northern Cheyenne warriors and Yellowstone National Park, the nation's first national park. Red Lodge Mountain ski resort is a recreation area only 60 miles from Billings. Visitors can enjoy quality skiing in the Beartooth Mountains. Group discount packages are offered at many of these attractions, so organizers should call in advance for rates.

For more information on Billings, Montana as a group tour/convention destination, contact Rhonda Harms at the Billings Convention and Visitors Council at 406-245-4111 or visit the web site at http://billingscvb.visitmt.com.