Regional Cooperative Tourism Program
According to Oregon statutes, the Oregon Tourism Commission (OTC) may invest state dollars in Oregon’s tourism industry regionally, and will appropriate 20% of the state lodging tax revenue for use in cooperative regional marketing and development.
Regional Cooperative Tourism Program (RCTP)
Travel Oregon receives funding through a Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) sourced from all the state’s regions. According to Oregon statute, the Oregon Tourism Commission (OTC) may invest state dollars in Oregon’s tourism industry regionally; 20% must be used to implement a Regional Cooperative Tourism Program (RCTP) using a regional allocation formula that distributes revenue to regions in proportion to the amount of lodging tax revenues collected in each region.
To provide some predictability to the regional entities designated to develop and execute plans for the use of state lodging tax dollars, the Oregon Tourism Commission (OTC) determines Regional Cooperative Tourism Program (RCTP) awards based on prior calendar year transient lodging tax receipts and disburses the state lodging tax upon approval of the regional plans.
There are seven (7) Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMOs), recognized by Travel Oregon, who receive funding through the RCTP and adhere to Regional Cooperative Tourism Program (RCTP) Guidelines. The seven (7) RDMOs can use funds for cooperative regional marketing and development. By leveraging state dollars along with private and public resources, the RDMOs and Travel Oregon collaborate to bolster Oregon’s tourism economy.
The seven (7) regions are defined as:
- Oregon Coast: Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Coos, Curry, and the coastal portions of Lane and Douglas counties
- Portland Region: Washington, Columbia, and portions of Multnomah and Clackamas counties
- Mt Hood/Columbia River Gorge: Hood River and portions of Wasco, Multnomah, and Clackamas counties
- Willamette Valley: Yamhill, Polk, Benton, Marion, Linn, and portions of Lane and Clackamas counties
- Southern Oregon: Klamath, Lake, Jackson, Josephine, and portions of Douglas counties
- Central Oregon: Jefferson, Deschutes, Crook, and portions of Wasco counties
- Eastern Oregon: Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Morrow, Union, Umatilla, Wallowa, Grant, Baker, Harney, and Malheur counties
If you’re uncertain which tourism region your town falls under, search by zip code here.
Regional Budgets
For the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026, the statewide overall budget was $8.1 million; the seven (7) Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMOs) received the following amounts: Portland $2 million, Oregon Coast $2.1 million, Willamette Valley $1.1 million, Central Oregon $983.6 thousand, Southern Oregon $705 thousand, Eastern Oregon $526.2 thousand, and Mt Hood/Gorge $592.2 thousand.
For the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027, the statewide overall budget was $8.4 million; the seven (7) Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMOs) received the following amounts: Portland $2 million, Oregon Coast $2.2 million, Willamette Valley $1.1 million, Central Oregon $1 million, Southern Oregon $696.3 thousand, Eastern Oregon $580 thousand, and Mt Hood/Gorge $757.4 thousand.
To learn more about the regional budgets in Oregon by Fiscal Year (FY), visit the RCTP Dashboard.
Economic Impact
2024 TIPS Survey (statewide data)
Oregon’s tourism industry partners report growing confidence in the state’s tourism direction, with 62% satisfied with destination development efforts, a 10-point increase from the previous year. Looking ahead, partners identified grant funding (39%), tourism infrastructure (34%), and sustainability (26%) as leading priorities, while affordable housing (74%) and workforce housing (67%) remain the most pressing challenges facing communities and businesses. Respondents continue to view outdoor recreation (67%) and food and beverage experiences (43%) as Oregon’s greatest tourism strengths and expressed strong interest in additional support for infrastructure, funding, and destination management efforts.
See the full results here.
2026 Resident Survey Info (statewide data)
When asked to evaluate the impacts of tourism, 61% of Oregon residents believe the overall benefits outweigh the drawbacks, compared with 39% who do not. Economic impacts score highest (67% benefits outweigh drawbacks), followed by cultural impacts (64%), while residents are more divided on environmental (50%) and social impacts (51%).
2026 Visitor Profile Study (statewide data)
Oregon visitors report high satisfaction, with 98% satisfied with their trip and 87% likely to return within the next year. Scenic beauty (86%), a relaxing environment (85%), food and drink (81%), and outdoor recreation (78%) are among the strongest visitor motivators, while online search and personal recommendations are the most influential trip-planning resources. The study also highlights significant future potential for Native American tourism experiences, with strong visitor interest but limited awareness of available opportunities.
