Researchers at the University of Montana say the state has seen a climb in tourism numbers this year.
    
Reports say the university's Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research said Friday that more than 10.9 million out-of-state travelers visited the state in 2012. That's a 3.2 percent increase over the previous year.
    
The uptick in tourism meant more dollars for the state, with nonresident travelers spending $3.2 billion this year, a 15 percent increase over 2011.
    
Research director Norma Nickerson says the numbers show the travel industry has rebounded quickly from the recession. She says the upward trend is expected to continue in 2013.