March 31, 2021                                                                                                                                                                                Photo by Joey Hamilton          

Travel Oregon Economic Recovery Efforts

In response to the impact COVID-19 has had on Oregon’s travel and tourism industry, the Oregon Tourism Commission has responded by adopting a recent budget modification that provides $4.5 million in immediate relief through a Competitive & Recovery Grants Program (today is the last day to submit an application), community investments and the regional cooperative tourism program. Travel Oregon has also modified existing programming – whether it be in marketing or in creating a virtual education platform – to support industry needs. Travel Oregon's new recovery webpage provides a high-level overview of the agency’s multi-million-dollar suite of investments to aid the tourism industry in economic recovery from the pandemic. 

Why Guides? Operators, Guides and Outfitters Help Visitors See More Than Just the Sights

Travel Oregon’s new Why Guides program is an agency-wide effort to recognize and promote tourism industry operators, guides and outfitters as one of the state’s top tourism assets. This community is made up of local experts who help travelers discover unique experiences, follow destination management principles, and provide land stewardship throughout the state, creating memorable and sustainable experiences for visitors. Oregon-based tour guides, operators and outfitters are invited to join the Why Guides registry to help Travel Oregon tell the story of why guides are a valuable way to experience Oregon. The registry will be available through the end of April and information received through this platform will be used for marketing promotions including website content, media pitches, local news segments and more focusing on Oregon’s guiding community. Click here for more information and to register now. 

Now Open: Nomination Submissions for Oregon's Governor's Conference on Tourism Awards

Travel Oregon is soliciting nominations for its annual travel and tourism achievement awards that will be announced on June 15 as part of the virtual Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Each year these awards pay tribute to the determined efforts of those who use their skills, resourcefulness, creativity and innovative spirit to help create a better life for all Oregonians. Individuals, businesses, non-profit entities, federally-recognized tribes, port districts and governmental agencies that have significantly and positively impacted the local, regional or statewide economy are eligible to submit a nomination. Award categories for the 2020 calendar year include a rising star from each tourism region, outstanding work in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion, leadership and partnerships.
Please nominate award winners by April 14 by completing this form. 

2021 Oregon Tourism Engagement Sessions Have Wrapped

Yesterday, Travel Oregon and Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMOs) wrapped this spring’s Oregon Tourism Engagement Sessions. Participants had the opportunity to review draft regional strategic plans as well as high-level statewide strategic priorities and share their insights and perspectives. The information collected from participants during these sessions will help inform strategies, tactics and key programmatic and funding decisions in 2021-23 strategic plans.
Anyone who is involved in the tourism industry, including business owners, staff, destination management and marketing organizations, public land managers, policymakers, and tribal representatives were invited and strongly encouraged to attend. If you would like to provide additional insight, please complete your region's feedback form linked below. 
If you missed your region’s session, access the recording and download the presentations linked below: 
An engagement session report will be available in late April. Please direct additional questions to industry@traveloregon.com.

Upcoming Virtual Events

Upcoming Deadlines

Research & Reports
If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may see it online. CONNECT WITH US:
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Travel Oregon
Contact Travel Oregon at: 503-967-1560 or by email Industry@TravelOregon.com
All materials copyright © 2020 Travel Oregon | 319 SW Washington St., Suite 700 | Portland, OR 97204

Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove®

Subscribe to our email list.