Gov. Steve Bullock’s office says more tourists visited and spent money in Montana last year than ever before.

The governor’s office cited data Tuesday from the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research.

About 11 million people visited the state in 2013, spending more than $3.6 billion.

That is compared to 10.8 million visitors who spent $3.27 billion in 2012. That also was a record year for tourism in the state.

The governor’s office says the tourism industry directly employs 44,000 people in Montana.

Bullock and Montana Department of Commerce Director Meg O’Leary were joined by members of the Montana tourism community on Tuesday for an event at the Great Northern Brewing Co. in Whitefish to announce 2013 tourism numbers and acknowledge the efforts of Montana’s tourism community to pull the industry out of the recession.

“The Montana Office of Tourism and Montana’s tourism communities have worked tirelessly to put this industry back on track and poised for growth,” Bullock said in a news release.

“It’s evident that those efforts are paying off — the number of people coming to our state to have their own #MontanaMoment is more than ever before and they’re spending more than ever, too.”

According to O’Leary, “Visitors come to Montana for the experiences. They’re coming to experience our spectacular and unspoiled nature, vibrant and charming small towns, and breathtaking experiences and relaxing hospitality.”