Food Systems & Tourism Learning Meeting: Focus on Agritourism and New Farm Store Legislation

The next Food Systems & Tourism Learning Community meeting will take place over Zoom on April 7 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. This meeting will have a topical focus on agritourism, with a specific focus on unpacking the impacts of the new Farm Store legislation (HB 4153) that was passed during the recent Oregon Legislature short session and is currently awaiting Governor Kotek’s signature.

The goal of this meeting will be to help farmers understand which components of the agritourism regulatory landscape have changed, which remain unchanged, and how to navigate the new provisions going forward. We will be joined by Erika Polmar, Travel Oregon’s agritourism consultant, Audrey Comerford, OSU Extension Agritourism Program Coordinator, and Kate Baumgartner, Travel Oregon’s Public Affairs Strategist.

Organizations engaged in operating or supporting agritourism operators in Oregon are highly encouraged to join! As always, attendees will have the opportunity to share their experience and learn from peers across the state and across sectors.

Register here.

 

 

 

2026 Conversations with Funder series

Travel Oregon will be participating in the Oregon Cultural Trust’s Conversation with Funders series during the month of March. The Conversation with Funders allows attendees to meet funders, explore grant opportunities and share project ideas. Oregon Cultural Trust partners and leaders of arts, heritage and humanities are the target audience, while a variety of funders will be in attendance, including Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage, Oregon Humanities, Oregon Community Foundation, Roundhouse Foundation, Spirit Mountain Community Fund and others.

Advance registration is encouraged. Travel Oregon will be participating in the virtual Zoom session (March 26) and will be in-person in Portland (March 30) and Eugene (March 31).

  • Virtual (Zoom): Thursday, March 26, 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Register now
  • Portland: Monday, March 30, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Register now
  • Eugene: Tuesday, March 31, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Register now
  • Medford Area: Thursday, April 2, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Register now
  • Newport: Tuesday, April 7, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Register now
  • Sisters: Wednesday, April 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Register now
  • Pendleton: Friday, April 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Register now

Webinar: Maximizing Your Google Business Profile with Locl

Join Travel Oregon for an informative webinar with Joel Siedenburg, Founder & CEO of Locl.

In this session you’ll learn about Locl and the platform’s powerful tools (like Social Connector and AutoPilot) to help you simplify managing your Google Business Profile, streamline updates using automation and enhance your online presence across Google and other search engines.

Whether you’re new to Locl or looking to fully leverage its automated capabilities, this training will provide practical strategies to help you save time and extend your digital reach.

Register here.

March 19 Dark Sky Tourism Learning Community Meeting

The next Oregon Dark Sky Tourism Learning Community meeting will take place on March 19 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. This meeting will focus on reviewing the proposed changes to the International Dark Sky Places program. The goal of this learning community is to facilitate education and foster alignment across the tourism industry and key stakeholders in order to elevate Oregon as a premier destination for dark sky experiences.

This virtual meeting is open to anyone interested in preserving Oregon’s dark skies, developing and promoting dark sky visitor experiences, and staying connected with dark sky initiatives and stakeholders across the state.

Advance registration is required.

Register for the meeting

March 9 Oregon Tourism Commission Meeting

Resources: 

Presentations: 

Approved Meeting Minutes:

January 30 Oregon Tourism Commission Meeting

Watch the recording of the meeting here.

View the agenda

 

January 29 Oregon Tourism Commission Meeting

Watch the recording of the meeting here.

View the agenda.

  • The Travel Oregon Executive Director hiring standards and plan, and policy directives, will be presented to the Commission at their January 29 meeting. All materials to inform the presentation, discussion and public comment can be reviewed here: Review the executive search materials here.
    • The public will have two ways to provide comment in response to the materials:
      • 1) written form due by 4 p.m. on January 29; or
      • 2) during the January 29 Oregon Tourism Commission Meeting.
  • Executive Director Compensation Study

Please note, there’s an additional virtual meeting Jan. 30.

Food Systems & Tourism Learning Community Meeting

The next Food Systems & Tourism Learning Community meeting will take place over Zoom on February 5 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. This meeting will have a topical focus on funding opportunities for culinary and food systems projects and events. Learn from funders and fundees about how to put your most competitive foot forward when seeking funding. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experience and learn from peers across the state and across sectors. Learn more about the community here.

If you have questions, please reach out to hilary@traveloregon.com.

Digital Accessibility Essentials: Preparing for the ADA Title II Compliance Deadline

Webinar Description:

Digital accessibility requirements are changing, impacting all public entities, including DMO, chamber, and visitor association websites. Join Jen Macias, a Portland-based Experience Designer and Accessibility Specialist, for a practical webinar that will break down the new Department of Justice rules, compliance timelines and what they mean for your digital content.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards and will leave with a practical roadmap and resources to support ongoing accessibility compliance.

There will be 60 minutes of instruction time, followed by a 15-minute Q&A.

Register for the Travel Oregon hosted webinar here.

 

Why this matters to you:

This webinar will be focused on understanding the new rule on the accessibility of web content and mobile apps provided by state and local government. This rule establishes specific requirements for state and local governments to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards by April 2026. While the rule directly applies to public entities, it will significantly impact private organizations that work with government agencies.

If your organization provides websites, mobile apps, online services, or digital content for state or local government agencies—whether through contracts, licensing agreements, or other arrangements—you may need to ensure your products and services meet these accessibility standards. The rule makes clear that when governments use contractors or vendors to provide web content or mobile apps on their behalf, those materials must comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

More information on accessibility programs and resources from Travel Oregon can be found here.

For questions pertaining to this webinar, please reach out to Kate Sappell, Program Manager RCTP (ksappell@traveloregon.com).

Agritourism Connections Conference

Join fellow producers and agritourism professionals for a dynamic day of learning and networking. This event features engaging sessions on effective marketing strategies, firsthand stories from agritourism operators, opportunities to build valuable social connections, and updates on the latest research. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your agritourism venture, this conference offers practical insights and inspiration to help you thrive. Hosted by the OSU Extension Agricultural Tourism Program and open to any farmer or rancher in Oregon.

Registration is $40 and includes a full lunch. Scholarships available. Contact Audrey Comerford at Audrey.comerford@oregonstate.edu or Melissa Fery at melissa.fery@oregonstate.edu with questions.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by Jan 29, 2026 to Audrey Comerford: audrey.comerford@oregonstate.edu or 503-689-8241

Agenda:

9:30-10 a.m. – Arrival/Check in

10-11:15 a.m. – Opening remarks, Legacy in Motion: Young Farmers Leveraging Agritourism and Market Access

11:15-11:30 a.m. – Break

11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. – Breakout Session 1

  • Websites That Work: SEO & Design Basics – Having a website that shows up on internet searches is still important, even in these days of social media. Topics that will be discussed are different website platforms, the importance of search engine optimization, and basic layout and design. Marissa Brown, Travel Salem Digital Marketing Specialist
  • Newsletter Essentials and Strategies – The session will cover how newsletters engage customers, platforms options, frequency and timing for sending, and content strategies. Audrey Comerford, OSU Extension Agritourism Coordinator and Wee Woollies Fiber Arts

12:30 -1:15 p.m. – Lunch and networking

1:15 – 2:15 p.m. – Breakout Session 2

  • Turning Likes into Visits – Farmer panel about experiences, different platforms, what type of content gets the most engagement, and how it’s used to drive visits/sales.
  • Boost Your Visibility with Google Business Profile – An overview of why Google Business Profile is an important tool, how to claim your profile if you haven’t already, how to update it, and methods for improving your visibility. We will also take a look at a few individual business profiles as examples.

2:15 -3 p.m. – Closing session and raffle

Learn more and register here: Agritourism Connections Conference | OSU Extension Service

Accessible Tourism Ambassador Training

This in-person event will take place on Sunday, March 8 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.

The project has been funded in part by a grant from Travel Oregon and the Institute for Applied Sustainability at Southern Oregon University, so there is no cost to attend.

What attendees will gain:
● Practical accessibility strategies to implement right away
● Insights from real-world success stories across the travel industry, including innovative products and tech improvements to support inclusive service delivery
● Networking opportunities with peers, experts, and advocacy leaders
● Receive the Guidebook for Improving Accessibility for Oregon Tourism Providers
● Accessibility Ambassador Certificate of Completion to showcase your leadership in inclusive tourism

Registration is required. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/ATA-RSVP. Spaces are limited and the number of meals and drinks is reserved per confirmed participant. Please register early to secure your spot. If your plans change, please release your seat so others may attend.

Questions? Contact Dr. Pavlina McGrady at mcgradyp1@sou.edu.

 

 

Food Systems & Tourism Learning Community Meeting

This meeting will have a topical focus on local food directories, food/farm trails, passport programs and other efforts to showcase local food offerings in a format relevant to visitors. Organizations engaged in these ‘products’ or getting ready to embark on a directory or culinary trail project are highly encouraged to join! Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experience and learn from peers across the state and across sectors. Learn more about the community here.

Register to attend.

December 2025 Oregon Tourism Commission Meeting

Resources

Meeting Presentations

The meeting will be in-person and live-streamed on Travel Oregon’s Industry YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/oregontourism/.

Accessibility and Accommodation Requests
For questions about accessibility or accommodations for persons with disabilities, or to request a translator, interpreter, or other communication aids, please contact Matthew Finn at matthew@traveloregon.com.

 

 

Nov. 20 Dark Sky Tourism Learning Community Meeting

The next Oregon Dark Sky Tourism Learning Community meeting will take place on November 20 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Attendees will learn about the latest developments and opportunities for dark sky tourism in Oregon. The goal of this learning community is to facilitate education and foster alignment across the tourism industry and key stakeholders in order to elevate Oregon as a premier destination for dark sky experiences.

This virtual meeting is open to anyone interested in preserving Oregon’s dark skies, developing and promoting dark sky visitor experiences, and staying connected with dark sky initiatives and stakeholders across the state.

Advance registration is required.

Webinar: Introduction to Locl + AutoPilot

View the webinar. | Download the presentation.

Monitoring and managing your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the best ways to improve your visibility and conversion. Responding to reviews and other activities like uploading photos and posting updates can drive more exposure and customers to your business.

To help make managing your GBP easier, Travel Oregon partnered with Portland-based company Locl to provide you (free!) access to a suite of GBP optimization tools. Locl helps businesses manage profile updates, create events and offers, engage with customer reviews, monitor business performance and act on insights – all in one place and for every location.

Join Cat Sherry Director of Customer Success at Locl, and learn how to use Locl’s optimization suite and their new AutoPilot tool to optimize your Google Business Profile.

Session Outcomes:
• Understand what a Google Business Profile (GBP) is and why it is important.
• Understand what Locl is and why it is important.
• Learn how to use your GBP profile to access to Locl for free.
• Learn how to take advantage of Locl’s optimization suite to improve GBP listings, monitor business performance and act on insights.
• Learn what features Locl offers that GBP doesn’t have.

Register here.

Accessible Tourism Ambassador Training | Klamath Falls, OR

Southern Oregon University is hosting an Accessible Tourism Ambassador Training workshop.

What attendees will gain:

  • Practical accessibility strategies to implement right away
  • Insights from real-world success stories across the travel industry, including innovative products and tech improvements to support inclusive service delivery
  • Networking opportunities peers, experts and advocacy leaders
  • Receive the guidebook for improving accessibility for Oregon Tourism Providers
  • Accessibility Ambassador Certificate of Completion to showcase your leadership inclusive tourism

Spaces are limited and the number of meals and drinks is reserved per confirmed participant. Please register early to secure your spot. If you’re unable to attend, please release your spot so others are able to join.

This project has been funded in part by a grant from Travel Oregon and the Institute for Applied Sustainability at Southern Oregon University. There is no cost to attend.

Register here.

Accessible Tourism Ambassador Training | Springfield, OR

Southern Oregon University is hosting an Accessible Tourism Ambassador Training workshop.

What attendees will gain:

  • Practical accessibility strategies to implement right away
  • Insights from real-world success stories across the travel industry, including innovative products and tech improvements to support inclusive service delivery
  • Networking opportunities peers, experts and advocacy leaders
  • Receive the guidebook for improving accessibility for Oregon Tourism Providers
  • Accessibility Ambassador Certificate of Completion to showcase your leadership inclusive tourism

Spaces are limited and the number of meals and drinks is reserved per confirmed participant. Please register early to secure your spot. If you’re unable to attend, please release your spot so others are able to join.

This project has been funded in part by a grant from Travel Oregon and the Institute for Applied Sustainability at Southern Oregon University. There is no cost to attend.

Register here.

Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism

See you in Portland, March 9-11, 2026!

Submit your nominations for the Tourism Industry Achievement Awards
On March 9, the 2026 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism will kick-off with the Tourism Industry Achievement Awards, celebrating work done across the industry in 2025. But we need your help in nominating those most deserving of recognition.

Please nominate an organization, individual, or yourself for outstanding work in the following categories: Rising Star, Equity, Prosperity, Marketing and Stewardship. Award nominations will be open until November 14.

Sponsors and Exhibitors
We are welcoming sponsors and exhibitors for the 2026 Governor’s Conference. As a sponsor of Gov Con, you have the unique opportunity to gain visibility among 600+ decision-makers, industry leaders and attendees shaping the future of travel in Oregon.

View the 2026 Sponsor and Exhibitor Guide to get started.

October 8 Oregon Tourism Commission Meeting & Executive Session

The Commission will open a public meeting at 9 a.m. and immediately go into an Executive Session, returning to a public meeting at 11:15 a.m. to move into Commission Action. Only individuals authorized and invited by the Commission are permitted to attend the Executive Session.

The meeting will be recorded and posted on Travel Oregon’s Industry YouTube Channel following the meeting.

Accessibility and Accommodation Requests

For questions about accessibility or accommodations for persons with disabilities, or to request a translator, interpreter, or other communication aids, please contact Matthew Finn at matthew@traveloregon.com.

2025 Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit

The 2025 Summit will take place Thursday-Saturday, November 6-8, in Pendleton, Oregon and surrounding areas. The summit combines fun and high impact in-person networking opportunities with conference programming on the important issues of the day, educational content, trails stewardship work parties, and in-field tours and workshops.

The summit will bring together Oregon’s outdoor community to learn, build relationships, and find solutions to the challenges we face in developing and elevating outdoor recreation opportunities to best serve Oregon communities and celebrate and protect our natural, cultural, and historic wonders.

Pacific Northwest Economic Forum & Rail Summit

The Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) is hosting its annual economic forum and rail summit in Portland this October 14-17. The event will bring together government and industry leaders from the U.S. and Canada to discuss transportation, energy, trade, tourism and economic development in the region. Sessions will cover topics relevant to Oregon’s tourism industry, including passenger rail and multimodal tourism.

PNWER is a statutory, public-private partnership chartered by the states of Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Washington; and the western Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan; and Yukon and Northwest Territories. PNWER is recognized in both the United States and Canada as the model for regional and bi-national cooperation.

Find the draft agenda here.

Oregon Main Street Conference

This year, the Oregon Main Street Conference will be held in Albany, October 8-10, in collaboration with the Albany Downtown Association, the Albany Visitor’s Association, and the City of Albany.

Attendees at this Fall’s conference can look forward to:

  • Engaging panels and speakers
  • Walking tours featuring inspiring projects throughout downtown
  • Two pre-conference workshops, featuring an old favorite Main Street 101
  • Our annual Excellence on Main Awards celebration
  • Networking opportunities with peers and partners

Take advantage of the early bird discounted rate of $115 through August 15, 2025. Student rates always available. Visit our conference homepage to register today and find additional information about the conference, including our schedule-at-a-glance, and lodging information. To register directly, visit the OMS Conference Registration.

ORLA Hospitality Conference

Tourism and hospitality professionals from across Oregon are invited to Seaside this September 13-15 for the 2025 ORLA Hospitality Conference—a must-attend event offering fresh ideas, practical workshops and inspiring keynotes to help you grow your business and strengthen your team.

Be sure to join Saturday’s Women in Tourism & Hospitality Symposium (separate registration), designed to spark meaningful connections and deliver insights you can put into action.

TravelAbility

TravelAbility, the nation’s leading conference focused on advancing accessibility in travel and tourism, is coming to Sunriver, October 13–15, 2025.

The event will bring together DMOs, attractions, lodging partners, and accessibility advocates from across the U.S. to explore innovation, training, and solutions that open doors for travelers with disabilities.

Why You Should Attend:

  • Learn from leading accessibility experts
  • Gain tools to make your destination or business more inclusive
  • Network with peers and innovators working to expand travel for all abilities
  • Be part of the national conversation – right here in Oregon

Special Discount for Oregon Partners

TravelAbility is offering limited-time registration discounts:

Oregon50: 50% off discount code for Oregon-based hoteliers/property managers. Runs through October 1.

NP25: $300 off for nonprofits. Runs through October 1.

ADA35: Special ADA promotion. $250 all ticket types through the month of July. Ends July 31.

Let’s make a strong showing and demonstrate Oregon’s commitment to welcoming every traveler. Whether you’re already engaged in accessibility efforts or just beginning your journey, this conference is a chance to learn, connect, and grow.

Register now at travelability.net – together, we can make Oregon a leader in accessible tourism.

Oregon Pride Events

Happy Pride Month!

Travel Oregon is proud to support 20 Pride events across the state. This directly aligns with Travel Oregon’s mission to foster an inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant tourism economy. These partnerships demonstrate a clear and intentional commitment to LGBTQIA2S+ inclusion, not just in words, but in action. These events celebrate the diversity that makes Oregon’s communities unique and attractive to travelers seeking destinations where they feel safe, seen and celebrated.

Here is the latest roundup of small-town Pride events in Oregon: Celebrate Pride Year-Round in Oregon – Travel Oregon.

You can find sponsored content for Here is Oregon partnership here.

Below you’ll find a list of PRIDE events taking place around the state. We encourage you to share the events with your community and attend an event in your area.

Greater Portland Region

Willamette Valley

Southern Oregon

Central Oregon

Eastern Oregon

  • Eastern Oregon LGBTQ+ Coalition (June 18)

Mt. Hood Gorge

Oregon Coast

September 2025 Oregon Tourism Commission Briefing and Meeting

Oregon Tourism Commission Briefing

Sept. 11, 2025
2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Yachats Commons Multipurpose Room

441 Hwy 101 N 

Yachats, OR 97498

Resources & Presentations:

Oregon Tourism Commission Meeting

Sept. 12, 2025
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Yachats Commons Multipurpose Room

441 Hwy 101 N 

Yachats, OR 97498

Resources & Presentations:

Guest Service Gold Customer Service Training (Eastern Oregon)

The Eastern Oregon Workforce Board is offering an opportunity to become Guest Service Gold certified at no cost over the course of three days, in three cities: Hermiston (June 16), La Grande (June 17) and Ontario (June 18).  Please see details about the program below.

Becoming Guest Service Gold certified as a Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP®) empowers individuals with the skills and mindset to consistently deliver exceptional customer service. This industry-recognized certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence, sets candidates apart in the job market, and opens doors to advancement in hospitality careers.

CGSPs gain a deeper understanding of how to create memorable guest experiences, increase customer satisfaction, and contribute meaningfully to their organization’s success. During the high season for tourists this year, the Eastern Oregon Workforce Board is providing employers and workers with this significant opportunity for professional development.

No matter what industry you are in, customer service defines your brand.  If you have people facing people in your organization, don’t miss this opportunity to gain an industry recognized credential in customer service.  Register your whole team today: https://eowb.org/guestservice.

June 16 – Hermiston
WorkSource Oregon Center
950 SE Columbia Drive

June 17 – La Grande
WorkSource Oregon Center
1901 Adams Avenue

June 18 – Ontario
WorkSource Oregon Center
375 SW 2nd Avenue

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at each location 30 minute lunch break, lunch not provided

Food Systems and Tourism Learning Community Meeting

Join us virtually July 1, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. for the second Food Systems and Tourism Learning Community convening. This collaborative space aims to bring together small farms, extension services, and food system organizations from across Oregon with local and statewide tourism partners. Collaboration between these two industries is paramount and offers the opportunity to elevate local food through tourism efforts while strengthening the roots of those who feed Oregon communities.

Learn more about the community here.

Register HERE to attend. If you have any  questions, please reach out to clairea@traveloregon.com

We look forward to convening with you soon!

 

WEBINAR: Locl Overview and Q&A

This event has passed. Download the slide deck.

Monitoring and managing your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the best ways to improve your visibility and conversion. Responding to reviews and other activities like uploading photos and posting updates can drive more exposure and customers to your business.
To help make managing your GBP easier, Travel Oregon partnered with Portland-based company Locl to provide you (free!) access to a suite of GBP optimization tools. Locl helps businesses manage profile updates, create events and offers, engage with customer reviews, monitor business performance and act on insights – all in one place and for every location.

Join Cat Sherry of Locl and learn how to use Locl’s optimization suite to maximize your GBP and drive business.

Session Outcomes:
• Understand what a Google Business Profile (GBP) is and why it is important.
• Understand what Locl is and why it is important.
• Learn how to use your GBP profile to access to Locl for free.
• Learn how to take advantage of Locl’s optimization suite to improve GBP listings, monitor business performance and act on insights.

Register here.

June 2025 Oregon Tourism Commission Briefing and Meeting

Oregon Tourism Commission Briefing

Presentations: 

Oregon Tourism Commission Meeting

Presentations: 

Dark Sky Tourism Learning Community Evening Event at OMSI

Join the Oregon Dark Sky Tourism Learning Community for a special pre-conference event at OMSI’s Kendall Planetarium on Sunday evening, April 13 from 6-8:30 p.m. Connect with others in the tourism industry interested in preserving and promoting Oregon’s dark skies, learn about the latest developments and opportunities for dark sky tourism in Oregon, and expand your knowledge through a special program celebrating Oregon’s magnificent dark skies curated by planetarium director Jim Todd.

Heavy appetizers and refreshments will be provided during a networking reception from 6-6:45 p.m., followed by programming in the planetarium. Registration for this event is separate from the Governor’s Conference and space is limited. Reserve your spot.

Looking for more information on dark sky tourism? Visit industry.traveloregon.com/darkskies to access industry resources or request a personal consultation with a dark sky expert.

Newberg: A Riverfront Reimagined Community Gatherings

Travel Oregon, in partnership with Taste Newberg, and local steering committee from Yamhill County, City of Newberg and Chehalem Parks & Recreation Department, invited all to a series of two community gatherings on April 23, 2025, to learn about a new project, A Riverfront Reimagined. We shared the preliminary project concept, answered questions and gathered feedback from over 75 community members. 

WATCH A RECORDING OF THE GATHERING HERE

PLEASE COMPLETE FEEDBACK SURVEY by May 2, 5pm. 

About A Riverfront Reimagined:
This exciting concept aims to create a water trail access point, designed to accommodate all skill levels, offering recreational entry to a regional water trail network near the confluence of the Willamette and Yamhill Rivers. 

Questions?
Katie McFall, Taste Newberg 
Katie@TasteNewberg.com

Nastassja Olson, Travel Oregon 
Staj@TravelOregon.com

About Recreation Ready:
This gathering is part of  Recreation Ready, a Travel Oregon program designed to support rural communities in developing new outdoor recreation visitor experiences that drive economic prosperity, respect natural environments, and increase access and equity.  

La Grande: Bike Park Community Gathering

Travel Oregon, in partnership with Grande Ronde Gravity, invited all from the community to a gathering to learn about a new project, La Grande Bike Park. Grande Ronde Gravity shared the preliminary project concept, answered questions and gathered feedback. 

VIEW PRESENTATION SHARED HERE

PLEASE COMPLETE FEEDBACK SURVEY by May 2, 5:00pm

About La Grande Bike Park:
This exciting concept aims to create a destination-quality bike park close-to-town that offers trails, jumps and skills area for mountain and BMX biking for all abilities. 

Questions?
Sean Lerner, Grande Ronde Gravity
sean@easternwheelworks.com | 541-786-5523

Nastassja Olson, Travel Oregon
Staj@TravelOregon.com

About Recreation Ready:
This gathering is part of Recreation Ready, a Travel Oregon program designed to support rural communities in developing outdoor recreation visitor experiences that drive economic prosperity, respect natural environments, and increase access and equity.  

Cave Junction: Gateway to the Stars Community Gathering

Travel Oregon, in partnership with the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce, invited all from the Illinois Valley to a community gathering to learn about Gateway to the Stars, a new initiative to certify the City of Cave Junction as a Dark Sky Community. We shared the preliminary vision, answered questions and gathered feedback.

Watch the April 8 Community Gathering recording

PLEASE COMPLETE FEEDBACK SURVEY by May 2

About Gateway to the Stars:
This exciting initiative aims to certify the City of Cave Junction as a Dark Sky Community from DarkSky International, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the beauty of night skies. The initiative would enhance street and business lighting to maintain Cave Junction’s rural charm while reducing light pollution—supporting Cave Junction as a premier destination for stargazing and dark sky tourism.  

Questions?
Megan Curtis, Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce
illinoisvalleycc@gmail.com | 541-592-3326

Nastassja Olson, Travel Oregon
Staj@TravelOregon.com

About Recreation Ready:
This gathering is part of Recreation Ready, a Travel Oregon program designed to support rural communities in developing outdoor recreation visitor experiences that drive economic prosperity, respect natural environments, and increase access and equity.  

McKenzie River: Deathball Trail System Community Gathering

Travel Oregon, in partnership with Cascade Volunteers and McKenzie Trail Volunteers, invited all from the McKenzie River area to a community gathering to learn about a new project concept, Deathball Trail System. We shared the preliminary project concept, answered questions and gathered your feedback.

Watch the April 9 Community  Gathering recording

PLEASE COMPLETE FEEDBACK SURVEY by May 2

About Deathball Trail System:
This exciting new project concept seeks to develop a destination-quality trail system with interpretive sites honoring First Nations heritage, designed for mountain biking experiences for all skill levels and abilities including e-bikes and adaptive bikes and is accessible by public transportation.  

Questions?
Alyssa Brownlee
reservations@horse-creek.com | 503-720-4809
 
Nastassja Olson, Travel Oregon
Staj@TravelOregon.com

About Recreation Ready:
This gathering is part of  Recreation Ready, a Travel Oregon program designed to support rural communities in developing new outdoor recreation visitor experiences that drive economic prosperity, respect natural environments and increase access and equity.  

Oregon Food Systems x Tourism Learning Community Meeting

Travel Oregon is excited to announce the first convening of a Food Systems and Tourism Learning Community! This collaborative space aims to bring together small farms, extension services and food system organizations from across Oregon with local and statewide tourism partners. Collaboration between these two industries is paramount and offers the opportunity to elevate local food through tourism efforts while strengthening the roots of those who feed Oregon communities.

Learn more and register to attend here.

Dark Sky Tourism Learning Community February Meeting

Register for Travel Oregon’s Dark Sky Tourism Learning Community meeting to learn about the latest developments and opportunities for dark sky tourism in Oregon. The goal of this learning community is to facilitate education and foster alignment across the tourism industry and key stakeholders in order to elevate Oregon as a premier destination for dark sky experiences.

This virtual meeting is open to anyone interested in preserving Oregon’s dark skies, developing and promoting dark sky visitor experiences, and staying connected with dark sky initiatives and stakeholders across the state.

Register here.

Looking for more information on dark sky tourism? Visit industry.traveloregon.com/darkskies to access industry resources or request a personal consultation with a dark sky expert.