PORTLAND, Ore., June 15, 2021 / PRNewswire / – Almost 500 travel and tourism professionals – from tour guides and outfitters to regional destination marketing organizations, chambers of commerce, accommodation providers to wineries and microbreweries – will meet virtually tomorrow Oregon Annual Tourism Governors’ Conference to reflect on the impact of COVID-19 and forest fires, gain valuable insights and tools to empower tourism businesses and destinations, and create the conditions for nationwide economic recovery.

The pandemic and the orders to stay at home had a direct impact on traditional tourism businesses such as restaurants and accommodation in spring and summer 2020, the most important travel months for many communities in Oregon. These communities felt the effects of other indirect spending from retail stores, coffee and grocery stores, outdoor guides and outfitters, and wineries, and small local owners Oregon Companies that make up the tourism industry. The latest Dean Runyan Associates 2020 Economic Impact Report shows total direct travel expenses in Oregon refused $ 6.5 billion, the lowest value since 2003.

This spring, Travel Oregon made a series of total investments in response to industry needs. released $ 4.5 million Providing direct investment in economic recovery through grants and direct investment to each tourist region of the state.

The latest in a series of investments in Travel Oregon’s economic recovery includes a statewide advertising campaign, Welcome to Oregon again, designed to encourage intra-state travel, support local tourism businesses, and keep Oregonians on local travel. Welcome to Oregon Started Again on June 1 and prioritizes safe travel, responsible recreation, and local business support during the summer season.

“I’m as proud of it as any of us are in Oregon The travel and tourism industries have popped up from every corner of the state, caring for and supporting each other intensely in these difficult times, “said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “We continue to actively listen to the needs of Oregonians, communities and businesses to respond as quickly as possible. And I look forward to building on this information and insight from last year to help shape our strategy for the future.”

To continue supporting economic recovery efforts while the state is reopened to travel, Travel Oregon will first launch the agency’s strategic plan on on July 1, 2021. This plan includes current activities in support of the state’s economic recovery and puts equity and inclusion at the forefront of its strategic vision.

The second, longer-term effort is the transformation plan. To further develop this plan, the agency will seek input and guidance from the people and communities at the heart of the tourism industry to develop a roadmap that will last until 2025. The plan will serve Oregon across the travel and tourism industry based on the priorities set by these stakeholders. Stakeholders have already identified the need for additional grants and funding, as well as marketing and promotion as priorities.

About Travel Oregon The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to improve the visitor experience by providing information, resources and travel planning tools that inspire travel and the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission aims to improve the quality of life for Oregonians by strengthening the state’s tourism industry, which employs thousands of Oregonians across the state. visit traveloregon.com to learn more.