(Butte, Montana) - Montana's senior U.S. Senator, Max Baucus announced a new partnership between global travel company, Travelocity, and Montana communities to promote tourism in the state. Today at Baucus' Montana Economic Development Summit, Sabre Holdings, Corp. Chairman and CEO, Sam Gilliland announced Travelocity will be a major sponsor of the inaugural Montana Folk Festival in Butte.

"Tourism is such a critical part of Montana's economy and we need to do all we can to continue to promote the unique landscapes and good people that make our state the best place to live, work and raise a family." said Baucus. "Today's announcement is a critical step to help continue to drive tourist dollars to Montana, help our economy grow and provide the jobs we need in these tough economic times."

"When Senator Baucus asked us to partner with him in promoting Montana, we jumped at the opportunity. There are so many great destinations, events and people in Montana - and Travelocity can help bring the world to the Big Sky state for those unique and authentic travel experiences," said Gilliland. "We're looking forward to being a part of the state's increasing travel and tourism economy."

For the last two years, Travelocity was a sponsor of the national folk festival in Butte. It was such a success, they will sponsor the inaugural Montana Folk Festival which builds on the momentum of the national event with the hope of becoming a permanent fixture in Montana.

George Everett, Executive Director Mainstreet Uptown Butte said this is a major development for the community.
"Senator Baucus' jobs summit is proving that meaningful partnerships can be created through the right kind of leadership promoting Montana's assets. Travelocity has also been a great partner for Butte and Montana over the last couple of years. We're thrilled that they will be a key part of the first annual Montana folk festival," said Everett. "These events are not only wonderful for families and our community, but they revitalize the local economy and highlight Butte to the world."

Today, Travelocity also announced sponsorships of several festivals around the state. This summer, they again sponsored the folk festival in Butte as well as the "What the Hay" festival in Utica. And over the next year they will partner with a number of events - including the Crow Agency Crow Fair, the
Missoula Western Fair & Rodeo, Butte's Irish Festival, the Magic City Blues Festival, and the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale.

• Last year, working with Senator Baucus' office, Travelocity began looking at ways to help promote Montana. They traveled to Butte, Missoula, Kalispell and Helena and began talking with Montana travel leaders about the best ways to promote the state. 
• Last month, Travelocity kicked off a 4-month, $500,000 promotional campaign - aimed at promoting all parts of Montana to key markets around the country, and around the world.
• This week, Travelocity kicked off a weeklong tour with Travelocity's famous Roaming Gnome. The Gnome is visited Billings, Miles City, Hobson, Missoula, Great Falls, Glasgow, Utica, Whitefish, and places in between. The Gnome also made an appearance on the floor of the Montana Economic Development Summit.
• This tour also included the "travel for good" concept where a dozen Travelocity employees participated in cleanup and restoration in Glacier National Park.

Contact: Kate Downen (406) ; Kathy Weber (406) 698-1477; Jennifer Donohue (202) 329-9623

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