The ARPA federal stimulus package included $510 million in non-competitive grants for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to award states to support economic recovery in communities that rely on tourism-related activities such as leisure and business travel and outdoor recreation. 

Oregon Governor Kate Brown designated Travel Oregon to administer the application for these grants focused on one of the keystones of her 10-point economic recovery plan - investments to promote travel and tourism attractions, such as athletic events. At the direction of the governor’s office, Travel Oregon submitted an application to the EDA on September 23 to allocate Oregon’s State Tourism Grant funds toward promotional efforts and broadcast opportunities leading up to, and during the World Athletics Championships Oregon22. Governor Brown noted, “We could not be prouder to welcome the World Championships to the United States for the first time ever, and it is only fitting that TrackTown USA serve as the host. This will be the largest event Oregon will see next year, bringing great visibility to our entire state and aiding our economic recovery. We must take hold of this opportunity to invest in Oregon’s reputation as a global destination and ensure Oregon tourism comes back strong.”

If awarded, these grant funds will provide funding to leverage Oregon22’s global broadcast platform with embedded footage of Oregon’s landscapes and natural amenities leading up to, and during the event. The World Athletics Championships-Oregon22 will be among the most widely watched sporting events in the world next year. Some 3,000 media will be in Oregon reporting the event to an estimated billion viewers in 200 countries, this exposure is estimated to have the equivalent value of $100M in advertising costs (based on research from the World Athletic Championships in London in 2017). The Championships will be broadcast live in all of Travel Oregon’s key international markets, including Japan, China, Europe, and Australia. It will also be the centerpiece of NBC Sport’s coverage here in the U.S., with two hours live, prime time coverage every evening for ten days. Hosting the World Athletics Championships is an unprecedented opportunity to highlight all corners of Oregon, inspiring viewers from around the world to visit Oregon during the event, as well as drive demand for future leisure and business travel to Oregon.

We anticipate the EDA to announce award decisions in January 2022 and will keep our industry updated. Please direct questions to industry@traveloregon.com.  

This month, Travel Oregon will launch its first out-of-state advertising since the start of the pandemic with the return of its successful cinematic, animated “Only Slightly Exaggerated” (OSE) campaign.  As the fall and winter seasons approach, communities are dependent on visitor spending more than ever. Travel Oregon’s campaign welcomes folks to plan memorable Oregon experiences that help support businesses across the state – helping local and state economies – all while reinforcing messages of safety and kindness to hospitality staff and we are asking for your support.

You’ll find new creative (coming soon), videos, media plans and regional content in the toolkit. Please use the toolkit to share images and videos across your marketing channels to help inspire travel in and around your regions.

Direct questions to kelda@traveloregon.com. 

The next Oregon Tourism Commission Meeting is Oct. 5 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. In response to Governor Kate Brown’s directive on physical distancing measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the risk of exposure to our communities, the meeting will be live-streamed on Travel Oregon’s Industry YouTube channel. Registration is optional. The meeting agenda, registration and Travel Oregon’s Strategic Planning Process Report are available here.