Complete the Oregon Tourism Workforce Survey by Nov. 8

In 2018, Oregon’s travel and tourism industry generated $12.3 billion in visitor spending. Visitation to the state is at an all-time high and everyone in the industry, from frontline staff to the creatives behind the state’s marketing campaigns, makes a difference in visitors' experiences in Oregon. Travel Oregon continues to receive feedback that workforce development is an issue, but little research has been completed to understand the root causes of these concerns. To better realize what opportunities exist to support the advancement of tourism-related jobs in Oregon, Travel Oregon has developed the Oregon Tourism Workforce Survey.

The objective of the survey is to develop a broader understanding of the workforce development landscape in Oregon so workforce development programming can be identified and prioritized to meet the needs of the industry.

The survey is available in English and Spanish. If you have ever worked in Oregon’s tourism industry, as a part-time, seasonal or full-time employee and/or as a business owner we encourage you to participate in, and share, the survey.

Video Highlights Oregon Food Trails Program

Travel Oregon worked with Oregon Business Magazine to produce a video that shares local perspectives from participants of the Oregon Food Trails program. Shot along the East Gorge Food Trail, the video highlights how the involvement of The Dalles Farmers Market and Mosier Company Restaurant has positively impacted the communities of Mosier, The Dalles and Dufur. The Oregon Food Trails program helps cultivate partnerships between culinary and agricultural businesses, strengthen local food economies and create unique experiences for visitors and locals alike.

Learn more about the Oregon Food Trails program and watch the video.

Fall Stakeholder Meeting Schedule

The seven Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMOs) have finalized their strategic plans for the 2019-2021 biennium. These plans were approved by Travel Oregon and presented to the Oregon Tourism Commission in June 2019. RDMO plan dashboards can be viewed here.

Upcoming Regional Stakeholder Meetings will provide industry stakeholders the opportunity to better understand and get involved in the tourism industry. They’ll hear directly from RDMOs about the tourism vision for the region, local opportunities and how their voices can help shape the process.

Click here for more information and to register for a meeting.

Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy Accepting Applications

The Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy (OTLA) is a new experiential learning program for tourism professionals who are seeking to polish their leadership and professional skills, continue to enhance their career accomplishments, and make positive and lasting contributions to the state’s tourism economy and its success. Program participants must confirm their availability to participate in four multi-day classes taking place during all four seasons of the year starting in the spring. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certification.

2020 OTLA Pogram Dates:

Spring/Central Oregon: April 28 – April 30
Summer/Willamette Valley: July 22 – July 24
Fall/Southern Oregon: Oct. 7 – Oct. 9
Winter/North Coast: Dec. 9 – Dec. 11

More information is available here. The deadline to register is Nov. 1.

Travel Oregon and New Seasons Market Partnership Showcases Oregon Food Trails

Building on the successful launch of the Oregon Food Trails program in July 2018, Travel Oregon and New Seasons Market collaborated on a co-branded booth at the entrance of the main event of Feast Portland: Big FEAST. The booth featured culinary products found on the Oregon Food Trails.

Travel Oregon also created videos featuring The East Gorge Food Trail and The Great Umpqua Food Trail, which were promoted by Travel Oregon, FEAST and New Seasons Market.