Emergency Lodging Assistance Program

Oregon is experiencing unprecedented emergencies, affecting thousands of people throughout the region. As people are forced to evacuate their homes, the state of Oregon is committed to finding non-congregate sheltering and assistance for evacuees. In partnership with the American Red Cross, State and Federal agencies, we are asking for lodging properties across the state to lodge evacuees in the short term. Travel Oregon is coordinating with regional and local Destination Management Organizations (DMOs)/Convention or Visitor Bureaus/Chambers of Commerce to reach out to local lodging properties to collect lodging data, which will then be shared with the statewide emergency management team to provide lodging availability data to evacuees and first responders. Questions can be directed to matthew@traveloregon.com
For individuals who have been impacted by wildfires, the first step to access federal assistance is to register at DisasterAssistance.gov.
There may also be a need for long term lodging for evacuees. Lodging properties that can help should register with the FEMA Emergency Lodging Assistance (ELA) Portal.  Registration not only allows FEMA to easily locate the lodging facility but also enables the agency to provide reimbursement for housing of evacuees. On this site, businesses providing lodging can find program FAQs, a user guide, and other information to clarify program requirements. 
Photo by Christian Heeb

Let's Get Social: Strategizing Your Social Platforms for COVID-19

Join us on Sept. 24 from 12-1 p.m. for a social media webinar you won’t want to miss. Register here.
Consumers are currently spending more time on social media than ever before. As COVID-19 and periods of unexpected crisis continue to impact our daily lives — audience behavior, attitudes and expectations have (and continue to) evolve.
Join Erika Wuelfrath, Social Media Strategist at Sparkloft Media, and Sachie Yorck, Content & Digital Community Manager at Travel Oregon, for an overview of the current state of the crisis consumer, social media best practices, and current trends as a result of COVID-19.
This webinar is the second in a Small Business Marketing Series being developed and hosted by Travel Oregon and is best suited for small and medium size businesses and destination management organizations.
If you missed the first webinar in the series, Optimistic Website Optimization for Tourism Businesses During COVID-19, the recording is now available online. Additional resources and references can also be found in the presentation deck, including claiming your business on Google—an especially important action to take if your business is in an area impacted by wildfires. 

Don't Miss the 2020 Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit

Register now for the 2020 Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit, which kicks off Monday, Sept. 28 and runs through Oct. 19. Hosted by the Oregon Office of Outdoor Recreation, Travel Oregon and the Oregon Trails Coalition, the 2020 summit will bring together two of Oregon’s premier outdoor recreation events: the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit and Oregon Trails Summit. The virtual format will offer unprecedented access and connection opportunities for all of Oregon's outdoor recreation communities and sectors.
Each week of the summit will offer dynamic, engaging programming including plenary sessions, webinars, community forums and outdoor-themed film nights. The first week of summit programming will feature topics including outdoor recreation community updates, adaptive mountain biking, rural development opportunities, how to increase justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in your organization, and a film night benefiting Wild Diversity that will include a roundtable discussion about responsible recreation.
View the full agenda and register at oregonoutdoorsummit.com.

Tour Operator, Guide & Outfitter Online Forum: Pivoting Your Business and Tour Products

Join Travel Oregon and Oregon’s professional tour operators, guides and outfitters on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 4-5:15 p.m. for the online forum, Pivoting Your Business and Tour Products.” Register here
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 since 2009 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.
Please note that this session was originally scheduled for Sept. 15 but was postponed due to fire and smoke impacts. It is the third forum in a short series of Tour Operator, Guide & Outfitter Online Forums developed and hosted by Travel Oregon. 
Photo by Joey Hamilton
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.