About Us | What We Do
We promote Oregon as a travel destination and support the state's tourism industry
The Oregon Tourism Commission (OTC), doing business as Travel Oregon, was formed in 1995 and granted semi-independent agency status in 2003 by the Oregon state legislature. Funded by the 1.5% statewide transient lodging tax, Travel Oregon carries out statewide work as the official destination management organization — directly investing 30% into Oregon’s tourism industry and communities through the dedicated Regional Cooperative Tourism Program and competitive grants program.
In June 2022, the OTC adopted the Travel Oregon 10-Year Strategic Vision, serving as a high-level road map to guide Travel Oregon over the next decade in the destination management work we undertake — from advertising campaigns and sales promotions, to projects we develop alongside the industry, grant dollars we deploy and hiring decisions we make.
Guided by the strategic vision, the current state of Oregon tourism and global circumstances and industry partner input, Travel Oregon will continue to develop biennial plans and budgets for OTC approval.
Learn more about Travel Oregon
Watch the Travel Oregon 101 video
New to the tourism industry? Have you wondered what Travel Oregon does? Who we are? Or what resources and services we provide? Watch the Travel Oregon 101 video to learn more about us. Please share the video with your industry partners, use it in presentations or meetings to help spread the word about the work we do.
Watch the 20 Year TLT Celebration video
In 2003, HB 2267 established Travel Oregon as a semi-independent state agency and created a state transient lodging tax, at a rate of 1% to provide funds for Oregon’s tourism programs. HB 4146 (2016) increased the transient lodging tax rate from 1% to 1.8% for July 1, 2016-July 1, 2020. On July 1, 2020, the rate decreased to 1.5%.
Our work
- Marketing campaigns – Producing award-winning marketing efforts like “The Seven Wonders of Oregon, which encouraged road trips and exploration beyond Portland, and the “Only Slightly Exaggerated” animated campaign, which highlighted Oregon’s natural beauty.
- Destination development – Investing in rural tourism, outdoor recreation, and sustainability initiatives to enhance visitor experiences and help communities realize their tourism potential.
- Grants and funding – Providing financial support to local communities and businesses through tourism-related grant programs. Travel Oregon awarded $3.6 Million in grants to fund accessible and inclusive tourism projects across the state in its last grant cycle.
- Industry research and reports – Offering insights on visitor trends, economic impact, and travel behaviors.
- Stewardship and sustainability – Encouraging responsible tourism and initiatives like Leave No Trace to protect Oregon’s natural resources.
- Collaboration with local businesses – Partnering with small businesses, hotels, wineries and restaurants to boost tourism across the state.
- Events and conferences – Hosting the annual Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism to engage industry professionals.
- Agency Governance, Accountability & Performance – Meeting agency and Governor Expectations – including statutory reporting and rulemaking.
Travel Oregon is committed to fostering sustainable tourism, enhancing community vitality, and ensuring inclusive access to Oregon’s diverse attractions.
Where you can find us
- Social media: Find your daily dose of inspiration —
- Free Travel Guides: You can order any of our publications, including the Visitor Guide, Scenic Byways Driving Guide, Travel Guide to Oregon Indian Country and the Oregon State Highway Map
- Email Newsletters: We have three newsletters you can sign up for — one has general trip ideas, one is focused on our culinary scene and last full of outdoor recreation ideas.
- Industry Newsletter: Receive monthly updates about Oregon’s tourism industry, upcoming events and conferences, grant opportunities and more.
- State Welcome Centers: There are eight travel information centers at key entry points throughout the state with staff ready to help you with maps, brochures and plenty of recommendations on things to do and places to see.
