Would you like to become a leader in the tourism industry here, but you are not sure how to proceed? The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association may be able to help.

The club is starting its sophomore year of the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy. The academy was developed in partnership with the Oregon Destination Association and Travel Oregon and led by professionals in the tourism industry. The annual program is aimed at public and private sector tourism professionals who wish to improve their leadership and professional skills, enhance their professional performance, and make positive and lasting contributions to the state’s tourism economy.

“Our vision is to bring together tourism professionals from all walks of life to build networking within the industry while attracting new leaders to help move our state forward,” said Jason Brandt, president and CEO of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association in a press release. “The academy will continue to bring lasting personal and professional benefits to participants.”

Tourism professionals currently attending first grade will continue to adhere to all health and safety guidelines as they near program close in September, the press release said. The second year class starts in July and ends in spring 2022.

Curricula, on-site visits and practical experience are intended to support and align with the tourism goals and guidelines of the state, which include four strategic requirements:

  • Optimizing the Nationwide Economic Impact of Tourism in Oregon.
  • Support and empower the Oregon tourism industry.
  • Promote the value of tourism.
  • Management of effective tourism-oriented organizations and companies.

The Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy experience is for professionals currently in the Oregon tourism and hospitality industries. Those interested in participating should have oversight, management or leadership roles in the private or public sector. Industry professionals who will soon be responsible for similar responsibilities will also be encouraged to apply for the academy program, the press release said.

The strategic needs described above will serve as core themes for the program each year. Each topic is covered in four multi-day learning programs designed to provide the academy’s participants with a comprehensive educational experience. Each year around 20 people, along with industry experts and facilitators, participate in the Academy’s professional development curriculum.

The academy comprises four multi-day experiences that take place in all four seasons. The program costs US $ 2,500 to attend, and the association estimates an additional US $ 1,600 in transportation / accommodation stays for the eight nights included in the program schedule, said the association’s communications director, Lori Little.

The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association is the premier business association for the hospitality industry in Oregon, creating over 180,000 jobs across the state prior to COVID-19.

Scott Carroll can be contacted at scarroll@nrtoday.com or 541-957-4204. Or follow him on Twitter @ scottcarroll15.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR