Kalispell is often defined by its proximity to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake. But for the team at Discover Kalispell, the town is a destination in it’s own right, fueled by a “Venture Boldly” mantra and a deep-seated commitment to stewardship.
Discover Kalispell leads with a strategy of “strengthening the local economy while preserving the community’s values and assets,” and as part of that strategy, we are proud to announce they have partnered with Ripe to adopt the ITA platform.
The Shift: From Promotion to Preservation
As one of the fastest-growing micropolitan areas in the U.S., Discover Kalispell faces the challenge of balancing a booming visitor economy with the well-being of the residents who make Kalispell special.
Traditional booking platforms often work against this balance. They extract value, obscure traveler data, and prioritize volume over the “intentional exploration” that Kalispell values. By launching an ITA, Discover Kalispell is making a bold move to ensure that what happens in-market, stays in-market.
Building a “Built-to-Last” Economy
The integration of the Ripe ITA platform allows Discover Kalispell to move beyond traditional head-in-beds marketing and toward a high-value, community-first model:
- Supporting the Ecosystem: The localized and interactive map highlights unique lodging and local experiences, while allowing travelers to filter properties based on the activities and amenities that matter the most to their visit.
- Commission-Free Bookings: Every booking made through the new platform is commission-free, directly supporting the local lodging partners and “strengthening the local economy.”
- Direct Attribution for Local Impact: Discover Kalispell is empowered to trace the direct economic impact of their campaigns back to specific bookings and local revenue.
- Data Ownership: By capturing first-party data, the DMO can better understand the “high-value visitors” who stay longer, respect the land, and support the downtown core.
The Opportunity is Ripe
Kalispell is a place for the intrepid—those who live with intention and move with purpose. By taking ownership of their booking journey, Discover Kalispell is ensuring that their tourism strategy is as resilient and authentic as the Flathead Valley itself.
We are honored to provide the infrastructure for this transformation. At Ripe, we believe destinations should be the architects of their own future. With this partnership, Kalispell isn’t just welcoming visitors; they are reaping the rewards of their own hard work.
Are you ready to see how Ripe can help your destination reclaim the booking journey? Schedule a demo today.
