Competitive Small Grants Program Postponed

In light of the continuing economic impact and uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Travel Oregon is reviewing its Competitive Grants Program to determine how these funds can best support Oregon’s travel and tourism businesses and organizations in their recovery. Therefore, the Competitive Small Grants Program, scheduled to open in August 2020, has been postponed. Travel Oregon announces all of its grant opportunities through this email list and will post further program details, when available, on industry.traveloregon.com/grants.

Marketing and Messaging Guidance

Travel Oregon has created an online toolkit to continue supporting the thoughtful reopening and rebuilding of Oregon’s tourism industry. The agency’s marketing approach focuses on messaging that supports Oregon's tourism economy by advising safe travel, following regulations and being prepared. By taking these actions tourism businesses can remain open and our outdoor places will be cared for. Messaging and strategies will focus on these three objectives:

Safety
Responsible Recreation
Business Resiliency

The COVID-19 Toolkit is available on Travel Oregon's industry site.

Photo by Dylan Van Weelden

Register for the Sept. 8 Online Forum: "Pivoting Your Business and Tour Products"

Register for Travel Oregon and Oregon’s professional tour operators, guides and outfitters online forum, “Pivoting Your Business and Tour Products,” taking place on Sept. 8.

The forum will start with a succinct education session followed by questions and small group breakout discussions. Our speaker, Zachary Collier, owner of Northwest Rafting Company and acting member of the Oregon Guides & Outfitters Association, will share practical ideas for modifying your procedures and tour products to ensure next season will be successful.

The forum’s intended outcomes include:

Learn key ideas to assist your business in staying successful long term.
Understand how collaboration is vital as the tourism industry has changed through the pandemic and what your participation looks like.
Share and hear business experiences in Oregon from industry peers.
Meet and network with industry peers to support a more collaborative industry in Oregon.

This forum is the third of a short series of Tour Operator, Guide & Outfitter online forums being developed and hosted by Travel Oregon. Visit our industry website to learn more.

USDA Recreation Economy Resource Guide

The USDA released a resource guide to provide rural community leaders and economic development practitioners a complete list of programs at Rural Development, U.S. Forest Service, and National Institute for Food and Agriculture that can be used to support recreational economies in rural America.

This guide addresses key factors necessary to build a sustainable recreational economy including natural resource management, conservation activities, infrastructure investment, business development and more.

Download the resource guide.

Photo by Joshua Rainey Photography

Oregon's Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Cultural Support Program

Applications are now live and 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. The $25.9 million in funding was made available through a $50 million relief package for Oregon culture recently approved by the Emergency Board of the Oregon Legislature.

Applications are due by noon on Monday, Aug. 24, and approved funds must be distributed by Sept. 15.

Photo by Joni Kabana

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Contact Travel Oregon at: 503-967-1560 or by email Industry@TravelOregon.com
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