Legislative Session Update
Oregon’s legislative special session occurred Monday, Aug. 10, with a focus on balancing the state budget. Unfortunately, even with the great outreach work from tourism partners and industry members, removing the sunset on the state transient lodging tax, and reinstating the rate to 1.8% was not included on the agenda. Legislators from across the state heard from the tourism industry regarding the importance of reinstating the tax rate to allow those dollars to be utilized to provide critical funds to support economic stabilization and recovery across Oregon. While the bill was not included in this one-day special session, your support was greatly appreciated, and we thank you for your outreach.
Photo by Christian Heeb
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Register for the TOGO Forum
The forum’s intended outcomes include:
- Gain useful techniques to interact with difficult customers and keep staff members engaged in the workplace.
- Understand the big picture and positive aspects of why we work in the tourism and outdoor industry to help you through the rest of the season.
- Share and hear about other’s business experiences in Oregon while seeking input from industry peers.
- Meet and network with industry peers to support a more collaborative industry in Oregon.
To watch past webinars, access Travel Oregon’s industry-facing YouTube channel.
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Welcome Center Reopening Update and Guidelines
Travel Oregon’s eight welcome centers, which have been closed since March, are poised to serve an extremely important role to the tourism industry as we navigate through COVID-19 by providing visitor education and management. We are not driving visitation at this juncture; but instead, are guiding visitors who are already arriving here, to ensure they can follow state guidelines and follow safe travel protocols. The in-person engagement that occurs at welcome centers serves as a highly impactful method for providing and clarifying public health precautions, restrictions and guidance as people enter, or travel around, the state.
The Ashland Welcome Center at ODOT’s Siskiyou Rest Area on I-5 north reopened on Aug. 10, following all safety guidelines from state and local health authorities for the protection of staff and guests. The following centers are also currently open under new safety protocols: Seaside Welcome Center and the PDX Welcome Center provides a 24-hour number for visitors as well as brochures. Guidelines for Visitor Center Operations during COVID-19 can be found here.
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Marketing Update
Travel Oregon is committed to supporting the thoughtful reopening and rebuilding of Oregon’s tourism industry. Due to increased COVID-19 cases and concerns from public land managers about heavy visitor volumes, Travel Oregon will promote and develop consumer content related to responsible consumer behaviors such as the use of face coverings, responsible recreation and how to safely support local businesses. This work will support the tourism economy by helping people have safe trips, follow local and state guidelines and being prepared. By visitors taking these actions tourism businesses can remain open and our outdoor places will be cared for. Key messaging priorities will be:
- Disseminate public safety messaging priorities in collaboration with Oregon Health Authority, Governor’s Office and OHSU.
- Influence responsible visitor behavior to promote community health.
- Instill confidence by sharing tips about safety and local guidelines across Oregon.
- Highlight Oregonians’ resiliency in facing this pandemic, promoting a sense of community pride and inspiring people to support local businesses.
Photo by Dylan VanWeelden
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Oregon Adventure Film Grant Opportunity
Last week, the Oregon Made Creative Foundation, in conjunction with Travel Oregon, launched a $20,000 grant focused on BIPOC filmmakers and stories. Oregon’s open spaces and outdoor pursuits are for all Americans and visitors, yet there is a well-documented inequity in America that is deeply rooted in our shared cultural history, and as a whole, our outdoor spaces are not equally utilized for a multitude of historical, social and cultural reasons. The Outdoor Adventure Film Grant ’21 (OAFG21) aims to help support and amplify stories and storytellers (both in front of and behind the camera) utilizing Oregon’s outdoor spaces as a backdrop. The OAFG21 specifically invites experienced BIPOC filmmakers and on-camera subjects that can create a short film pitch that should be able to inform, inspire, capture and/or reveal a personal journey involving an outdoor pursuit that is set against the backdrop of Oregon’s majestic landscape.
The grant deadline for applications is Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. Learn more about the opportunity and application process here.
Photo by Chaney Swiney
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Comments Open for National Register of Historic Places
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) proposed revising the state rules for the administration of the federal National Register of Historic Places program in Oregon. The program lists buildings, districts and other sites important to local, state or national history. Public comment on the proposed changes will be available until 5 p.m. on Aug. 31. OPRD will hold an informational webinar at 10 a.m. on Aug. 18 for government staff and leaders to learn more about the proposed rules and potential impact on communities, local governments and tribes. Registration is required. Are you a community hoping to create a National Register Historic District in your town? Do you want to comment on National Register nominations? Now’s your chance to review the proposed rules and provide feedback.
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Funding Available for Cultural Nonprofits and Community Venues
Applications are open for Oregon’s Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Cultural Support program. Funds allocated to the Oregon Cultural Trust will be available to Oregon cultural organizations facing losses due to the COVID-19 health crisis. All Oregon cultural nonprofits and community venues are welcome to apply. Eligible grant recipients include, but are not limited to, cultural institutions, county fairgrounds, cultural entities within federally recognized tribes based in Oregon, and festivals and community event organizations. View the guidelines on the Cultural Trust’s website. Applications are due by noon on Aug. 24.
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Great American Outdoors Act
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| Upcoming Events
Webinar
Oct. 8-9
Webinar
Oct. 29
Eugene
Deadlines
Due Aug. 24 at noon
Due Aug. 31 at 5 p.m.
Due Sept. 4 at 5 p.m.
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