Oregon Tourism Commission

Travel Oregon Awards $3.6 Million in Grants to Fund Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Projects Across the State

Retrieved on: 
Friday, November 17, 2023

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, is pleased to announce that $3.6 million has been awarded to 56 recipients through the agency's 2023 Competitive Grants Program. This impactful grant cycle reflects the agency's ongoing commitment to equity and to enhancing local economies, creating jobs and strengthening communities across the state by investing in the creation and promotion of remarkable visitor experiences.

Key Points: 
  • PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, is pleased to announce that $3.6 million has been awarded to 56 recipients through the agency's 2023 Competitive Grants Program.
  • "To say I'm inspired by the potential of this year's grant awards would be an understatement," said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon.
  • Awardees must demonstrate direct work in support of improving the economic impacts of Oregon's travel and tourism industry.
  • As such, eligible projects must clearly show alignment to tourism infrastructure that is accessible/inclusive or accessible/inclusive tourism promotion.

Travel Oregon Bolsters Tourism Efforts in Local Communities Across the State Through $1.4 Million in Capacity and Small Project Grants

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 23, 2023

PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, has awarded more than $1.4 million through its Capacity and Small Project Grant Program to help destination marketing/management organizations and federally-recognized tribes with capacity building and targeted projects to enhance and expand economic impact through travel and tourism. Funds were awarded to develop and refine skills, systems, structures and strategies to help the awardee successfully fulfill its mission and achieve outcomes that are more impactful. All projects being funded by this program must be completed by December 31, 2023. 

Key Points: 
  • "We're excited to see what our awardees are able to accomplish collectively to help inspire travel and uplift Oregon communities in the year ahead."
  • Preference for Travel Oregon's Capacity and Small Project Grants was given to proposals that focused on capacity building as Travel Oregon believes capacity building funds provide an opportunity for awardees to set the organizational foundation to successfully move future projects forward.
  • Eastern Oregon Visitors Association ($48,406) for professional development to support staff participation in the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy and in Cornell's Sustainable Tourism Development Management Online course.
  • Travel Southern Oregon ($40,000) for a project manager to lead efforts in creating a Dark Sky Place nomination application with the International Dark-Sky Association.

Travel Oregon Showcases State's Regions and Attractions in National Advertising Campaign: Extraordinary is Ordinary

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 19, 2022

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, has initiated its second push of its advertising campaign, Extraordinary is Ordinary. Promoting the state's stunning natural beauty, the campaign is set to drive tourism to its seven geographical regions and help to continue the state's recovery from the pandemic while supporting shoulder season travel. The campaign, produced by the creative team at Portland's Wieden + Kennedy, kicked off with national broadcast commercials and global exposure during the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 this past July. The strategy behind the fall campaign is to reengage with the audiences reached this summer and invite them to visit during shoulder season.

Key Points: 
  • PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon , has initiated its second push of its advertising campaign, Extraordinary is Ordinary .
  • The campaign, produced by the creative team at Portland's Wieden + Kennedy, kicked off with national broadcast commercials and global exposure during the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 this past July.
  • "Oregon is a state where you can feel and experience things you can't anywhere else," said Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon CEO.
  • "It's a place where beauty is commonplace and even the most ordinary things provide magical experiences.

Brand USA Names Alice Norsworthy, President of Global Marketing, Universal Parks & Resorts as the 2022 Chair of the Board of Directors

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, today announced that its board of directors has elected Alice Norsworthy , president of global marketing, Universal Parks & Resorts, as chairwoman.

Key Points: 
  • Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, today announced that its board of directors has elected Alice Norsworthy , president of global marketing, Universal Parks & Resorts, as chairwoman.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211208005176/en/
    2022 board of directors (Photo: Business Wire)
    Brand USA is governed by an 11-member board of directors appointed for a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms.
  • Its an honor to serve as Brand USAs board chair and I look forward to working with my board colleagues, Chris Thompson, and the entire Brand USA team during this pivotal time.
  • The board provides overall leadership and guidance, aiding Brand USA with critical counsel in its mission and operations.

New Travel Oregon Campaign Inspires Adventure With Awe And Optimism

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 18, 2021

Continuing the visual narrative of the agency's most successful campaign to-date – the original film received more than 38 million views -- the new 1:45 minute ad sweeps viewers through the state's natural wonders and thrilling adventures, introducing a cast of real Oregonians representing the heart and soul of the state. From CJ McCollum and Bill Walton toasting at a scenic Willamette Valley winery, to George Fletcher in the saddle at the Pendleton Round-Up, the people and places of Oregon are artfully brought to life.

Key Points: 
  • "The campaign celebrates the spirit and diversity ofOregon's peopleandshares the magical feeling of being in Oregon through the wonder and beauty of our state,"said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon.
  • "The impact of COVID-19 on Oregon's tourism economy was dramatic and immediate as travel halted and stay-home orders were put in place to protect public health.
  • "We are thrilled to work with long-time client, Travel Oregon, to dive back into the 'Only Slightly Exaggerated' world.
  • The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors' experiences by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality ofOregon.

Travel Oregon Brings Hundreds Of Business And Community Leaders Together To Rebuild Oregon's Tourism Economy

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Welcome to Oregon Again launched on June 1 and prioritizes safe travel, responsible recreation and local business support throughout the summer season.

Key Points: 
  • Welcome to Oregon Again launched on June 1 and prioritizes safe travel, responsible recreation and local business support throughout the summer season.
  • To continue supporting economic recovery efforts as the state reopens to travel, Travel Oregon is first launching the agency's Rebuild Strategic Plan on July 1, 2021.
  • The plan will serve Oregon's entire travel and tourism industry based on the priorities set by these community stakeholders.
  • About Travel Oregon The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors' experiences by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon.

Travel Oregon awards more than $2.4 million for projects that promote economic recovery across the state

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 3, 2021

b'PORTLAND,Ore., May 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon has awarded $2,408,264.67 through its Competitive & Recovery Grant Program to support economic recovery by investing in projects that enhance and expand the visitor experience and prepare communities and visitors for COVID-19 safe travel.

Key Points: 
  • b'PORTLAND,Ore., May 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon has awarded $2,408,264.67 through its Competitive & Recovery Grant Program to support economic recovery by investing in projects that enhance and expand the visitor experience and prepare communities and visitors for COVID-19 safe travel.
  • "Many of these entities have been closed or were unable to hold their event in the last year because of Covid.
  • Our goal is to support these businesses, events and attractions as they operate safely, restore vibrancy and create economic stability in communities across the state.
  • Travel Oregon has developed a variety of programs to support recovery in tourism-related and supported industries as part of the state\'s larger economic recovery strategy.

California, Oregon, Washington Unveil Enhanced Website To Help Tourists Navigate Regions Affected By Wildfires

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 4, 2019

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --State tourism organizations in California, Oregon and Washington today announced an enhanced website to help travelers stay safe and maximize their West Coast vacations to the region, which is increasingly responding to wildfires.

Key Points: 
  • SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --State tourism organizations in California, Oregon and Washington today announced an enhanced website to help travelers stay safe and maximize their West Coast vacations to the region, which is increasingly responding to wildfires.
  • The most important thing to Visit California, The Washington Tourism Alliance and Travel Oregon is to offer an unparalleled visitor experience.
  • California wildfires "underscore the ongoing need for coordinated travel communications among tourism offices in California, Oregon and Washington State," said David Blandford, co-chair of the Washington Tourism Alliance.
  • ABOUT WEST COAST TOURISM RECOVERY COALITION:
    California, Oregon and Washington collectively are the nation's biggest leisure travel destination.

Tourism Spending in Oregon Experiences Ninth Consecutive Year of Healthy Growth

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 9, 2019

"Travel Oregon's vision is a better life for all Oregonians through strong, sustainable local economies," said Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon CEO.

Key Points: 
  • "Travel Oregon's vision is a better life for all Oregonians through strong, sustainable local economies," said Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon CEO.
  • "Everything we do at Travel Oregon, from product development to destination marketing to regional investments in tourism and our matching grants program, supports this vision.
  • This represents a 4.2% increase in spending compared to the previous year and marked the ninth straight year of growth.
  • The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors' experiences by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon.

Travel Oregon's 'Only Slightly Exaggerated' Campaign Takes Adventurers on a Brand-New Animated Journey Through Oregon

Retrieved on: 
Friday, April 5, 2019

In addition to the sweeping outdoor animated imagery highlighted in the video, the viewer also gets a taste of Oregon's culinary bounty.

Key Points: 
  • In addition to the sweeping outdoor animated imagery highlighted in the video, the viewer also gets a taste of Oregon's culinary bounty.
  • "The goal of this campaign is to welcome and invite everyone to experience a happier state of being while traveling in Oregon," said Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson.
  • "Our goal with Only Slightly Exaggerated, both last year and this year, is to visualize the emotional experience of visiting Oregon.
  • The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors' experiences by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon.