September 2025
TOURISM INDUSTRY NEWS
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Recreation Ready program to accept Letters of Intent Oct. 1
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Travel Oregon will be opening the next cycle of its Recreation Ready program, which provides training, technical assistance, and funding to support outdoor recreation projects that strengthen Oregon communities and the visitor economy.
Projects must align with Travel Oregon’s mission and demonstrate potential to:
- Attract overnight visitors
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Improve accessibility for people with disabilities
- Enhance community well-being
- Grow local economic opportunities
- Steward the natural environment
The program is delivered in two phases:
Phase 1 – Planning & Development: Communities work with Travel Oregon staff and consultants to refine project concepts into actionable plans through visioning, accessibility planning, and steering committee engagement.
Phase 2 – Implementation Funding: Projects that successfully complete Phase 1 may be invited to apply for up to $100,000 to bring their plans to life.
To apply to the program, applicants must first complete and submit a Letter of Intent form that will open for submissions on October 1, 2025, 2 p.m. and close October 30, 2025, 5 p.m. An informational webinar will be held on October 7, 2025, at 12 p.m. to provide an overview of the program.
Program guidelines, webinar registration and complete application information will be posted online on September 24, 2025, at 5 p.m.
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| July Regional Research Report |
In July, hotels throughout the Southern Oregon Region saw room night Demand grow by 1.6%, lifting average Occupancy by 1.4% YoY. Southern Oregon hotels averaged 79.2% Occupancy with an Average Daily Rate of $145 (+1.0% YoY) for the month.
Jackson County hotels remain the regional leaders with the highest Occupancy rate at 81.0% (-0.2% YoY),
followed closely by Klamath County at 80.4% (+5.1%), Josephine County at 76.8% (+1.8%), and Douglas County
at 75.3% (+0.9%).
Klamath County remained the regional leader with the highest ADR in July at $156 (+0.5%), followed by
Douglas County at $148 (+2.4%).
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Applications for OTLA Now Open |
The OTLA experience is designed for professionals currently serving Oregon’s tourism and hospitality industries. Interested program participants should have supervisory, managerial, or executive responsibilities in either the private or public sector. Applications from industry professionals who will soon be responsible for similar levels of responsibility are also encouraged to apply for the academy program.
Applications for the 2026 academy are now open. Before applying, please review the "Before You Apply" page for information on criteria, costs, required dates, and application process. If you have questions regarding next year's academy, reach out to Lauri Byerly.
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| Accessible Tourism Ambassador Trainings |
We are excited to invite you to the upcoming Accessible Tourism Ambassador (ATA) Training—a practical, engaging workshop designed for tourism professionals, frontline staff, business owners, and destination planners who want to lead in creating inclusive travel experiences.
The experiential training blends hands-on activities, group collaboration, and real-world case studies. You will actively practice accessibility strategies and leave with actionable tools you can use immediately.
Sep 19 - Grants Pass at Taprock Northwest Grill
Nov 14 - Klamath Falls (location TBD)
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Recreation and Heritage Grant Opportunities |
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has just announcement the current and upcoming grant cycles for OPRD-administered grant programs. These programs fund a variety of outdoor recreation and heritage projects across the state.
For comprehensive information about each program, staff contact information, grant program manuals, webinar recordings, application materials, and other information, visit OPRD's website.
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Travel Southern Oregon is committed to supporting the tourism industry through sustainable destination development, ensuring a positive regional economic impact and a great visitor experience.
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