Rural Tourism Studio

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RTS Application & Evaluation

Currently, Travel Oregon has regions lined up through 2013 to participate in the Rural Tourism Studio program. We will likely reopen the application process in the summer of 2013. Look for an announcement in our Industry eNewsletter.

Oregon’s Rural Tourism Studio is a robust training program designed to assist rural communities in sustainable tourism development. Travel Oregon hopes the program will increase high-value, authentic experiences for travelers, thereby strengthening Oregon’s position as a premiere North American tourism destination.

The eight-day training includes an overview of the tourism industry, important trends and sustainable tourism best practices. The program helps businesses and organizations develop new tourism products in niche markets specific to their communities, such as cycling tourism, agritourism, outdoor recreation and cultural heritage. The program concludes with training in marketing and project implementation.

Sustainable tourism stimulates local economies, protects and enhances local resources and fosters community pride. Community leaders, tourism entrepreneurs, tour operators, lodging property owners, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, restaurateurs and anyone interested in local tourism can participate in the program.

Graduating communities can apply for up to $10,000 from Travel Oregon’s Matching Grant Program to support the implementation of priority projects. Download the full program overview.