Jan. 20, 2021 Photo by Aly Nicklas

Scholarship for Tour Operators, Guides & Outfitters: ATTA’s Come Together, Diversity Discussion

Thursday, Feb. 4 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is hosting a virtual networking event, Come Together, an opportunity to connect with new and diverse communities to support inclusion, equity, and diversity among the tour operator, guide and outfitter community. The event includes opportunities to learn about diverse global organizations and network with individuals in the adventure travel industry from around the world.

Travel Oregon is offering scholarships to Oregon-based tour operators, guides and outfitters. To access free registration, complete this form by Tuesday, Feb. 2.

In addition, on Feb. 17, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Travel Oregon will host a virtual follow-up engagement for Come Together attendees to share learnings, key takeaways and discuss implementation in Oregon. Registration details to come.

'Winterize Your Business' Toolkit

In response to COVID-19 safety measures that limit indoor activity throughout the state, the Independent Restaurant Alliance of Oregon (IRAO) worked with Travel Oregon and industry leaders to create a toolkit that provides detailed instructions for restaurants, bars and tasting rooms on how to find the most up-to-date information on county COVID-19 policies, guidance on constructing compliant outdoor spaces and tips for creating seamless, safe and enjoyable outdoor dining experiences.

The toolkit is available for complimentary download here.

Travel Expert, Rick Steves, Joins OTTA Winter Meeting, Feb. 25

Oregon Tour and Travel Alliance (OTTA), in partnership with Travel Oregon, is excited to host world-renowned travel expert and Pacific Northwesterner Rick Steves at the OTTA Winter Virtual Meeting. Rick is an American travel writer, author, tour operator and television personality. His travel philosophy encourages people to explore lesser-known areas of destinations and to become immersed in the local people's way of life. Join us Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. for an inspirational conversation on resiliency, collaboration, and the power of tourism.

This event is free to OTTA members and $25 for non-members. Register and get inspired by all the reasons we work in this amazing industry with Rick Steves’ TED Talk, The Value of Travel.

Request for Qualifications (RFQ): Travel Oregon's Destination Ready Program

As announced on Jan. 14, Travel Oregon is currently accepting applications for the Destination Ready program. In addition, Travel Oregon is seeking contractors to support the Destination Ready program award recipients as they launch and execute program projects. Project focus areas may be related to culinary & agritourism, water recreation, high-use destinations, outdoor recreation, and small business marketing support.

If you’re interested in learning more about the program and details of possible contractor roles, please review the Destination Ready Program Overview and RFQ.

Along with other required RFQ forms, respondents should submit a letter of interest and a CV/resume or work samples that demonstrate alignment to the areas of need. Travel Oregon will determine scopes of work for the Destination Ready program after reviewing applications and work will take place with selected contractors between March and September.

Email questions to development@traveloregon.com. RFQ responses must be submitted by Feb. 9 at 8 a.m.

Upcoming Virtual Events

Jan. 21, Travel Oregon Destination Ready Information Session
Jan. 21, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Rural Development Toolkit Webinar
Jan. 26, National Plan for Vacation Day
Jan. 27, U.S. Travel Association State of the Travel Industry 2021 Address
Jan. 28, The State of the American Traveler: Destinations Edition Webinar
Feb. 2, February OTIS Training
Feb. 4, Adventure Travel Trade Association's Come Together Diversity Discussion
Feb. 25, OTTA Virtual Winter Meeting
March 2, March OTIS Training
April 6, April OTIS Training

Upcoming Deadlines

ODA 2021 Specialty Crop Block Grant Applications, due Jan. 29
Destination Ready Applications, due Feb. 3 at 12 p.m.
Destination Ready RFQ Responses, due Feb. 9 at 8 a.m.
Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy Applications, due Feb. 26
National Parks Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Applications, due March 1

Research & Reports

Oregon Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Study
2020 Oregon Tourism Workforce Assessment
Statewide Lodging Monthly Report (Dec. 2020)
Statewide Lodging Weekly Report (Dec. 27-Jan. 2)
COVID-19 Oregon Travel Quarterly Forecast
COVID-19 Data (Jan. 12)
Oregon Monthly Barometer (Nov. 2020)
Destinations International COVID-19 Resources & Research

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