Travel Oregon Announces 2018 Travel & Tourism Industry Achievement Award Recipients

The Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2018 Oregon Travel and Tourism Industry Achievement Awards, presented at the 2019 Oregon Governor's Conference on Tourism in Eugene, Ore.

The achievement awards recognize people and organizations that enhance travel and tourism experiences across Oregon. The award recipients are outstanding professionals who demonstrate perseverance and dedication to the state. They go the extra mile. It’s because of their vision and commitment to making Oregon a better place for Oregonians and visitors that this industry is successful. 

The 2018 Oregon Travel and Tourism Industry Achievement Awards were announced in these categories:

The Oregon Tourism Stewardship Award was presented to Friends of The Columbia Gorge and Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge Regional Tourism Alliance for the development of the Trailhead Ambassadors Program.

The Oregon Tourism International Sales & Development Award recognized Meg Trendler, Travel Lane County for excellence in the creative sales, marketing and development of Oregon as a destination in the international marketplace. 

The Oregon Niche Tourism Award was awarded to two recipients this year: 

The award was presented to Visit Tillamook Coast for the development of the North Coast Food Trail.  

The co-honoree is Oregon Adaptive Sports for providing snow opportunities to members of the community with disabilities. 

The Oregon Tourism Development Award went to IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild was awarded for their unique outdoor concert series. 

The Oregon Tourism Leadership Award recognized Bob Hackett with Travel Southern Oregon for his leadership and vision in the Southern Oregon’s tourism industry.

The Oregon Tourism Digital Marketing Award went to Explore Lincoln City campaign, “Random Acts of Findness."

The Oregon Tourism Communications Program or Initiative Award was awarded to the U.S. Forest Service, Willamette Valley National Forest, Choose Outdoors and the Willamette Valley Visitors Association were recognized for their work on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Campaign. 

The Overall Oregon Tourism Marketing Program Award went to Visit McMinnville for the creation of a timeless brand that represents the town’s personality and a campaign that put new brand assets and voice to work in key target markets.

The first ever Oregon Guest Service Award recognized Kennedy Oloya, the Guest Service Lead for the Mark Spencer Hotel in Downtown Portland, for his exemplary guest service.

The Oregon Tourism Innovative Partnership went to South Coast Regional Tourism Network, Pressing Sand for partnerships and collaboration in their region.

The state’s most prized recognition is the Oregon Governor's Tourism Award. This year, David Zielke, Director of Air Service Development at the Port of Portland, was honored for his leadership and commitment overseeing recruitment and retention of strategic air service for Portland International Airport.

“The commitment David has shown to Oregon’s travel industry has been monumental. And I cannot overstate the importance of having a leader like David who professionally and selflessly work every day to keep this industry moving forward,” said Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon CEO. “During his career, he has been instrumental in guiding the advancement of the initiatives of the Oregon Tourism Commission and in securing and maintaining domestic and international air service to Oregon. The entire state has benefited immensely from his vision.”

The work of these awardees enhances the travel and tourism industry and contributes to a better Oregon for residents and visitors. 

Read the full release here.