Source: Dean Runyan Associates
Tourism dollars at work in Central Oregon
Many tourism organizations, including Travel Oregon, Visit Central Oregon and Visit Bend invest millions of dollars in community initiatives through grant programs, strategic investment funds or direct sponsorship. Click through to see investments that have been critical contributors to local projects over recent years.
Tourism dollars are at work in Central Oregon
Trail stewardship efforts, including responsible recreation education; trail maintenance; and new trail construction at popular destinations like Mt. Bachelor, further supporting disbursement of hikers and cyclists.
Tourism dollars are at work in Central Oregon
Re-opening Kah-Nee-Ta, including funding visitor infrastructure; supporting marketing, media and travel sales as the Warm Springs Tribe seeks to grow their tourism economy.
Tourism dollars are at work in Central Oregon
Bend Winter PrideFest, including media, marketing and event sponsorship to activate the city and nearby recreation centers during a key shoulder season opportunity that reaches new, diverse visitors.
Tourism dollars are at work in Central Oregon
Revitalizing Antelope, including providing tactical support toward Dark Sky tourism; and investing in new visitor infrastructure, including bike facilities and the town’s first hotel, which provides critical economic development activity in a struggling rural community.
Tourism dollars at work in Central Oregon
Improving Miller’s Landing, including funding improved access to the Deschutes River for swimmers and those with mobility restrictions to fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment and enhances experiences for all visitors.
Central Oregon
Economic Impact of Tourism in Central Oregon
$1.3 billion
Direct Travel Spending
11,010
Jobs
10.5 million
Overnight stays
Local Central Oregon tax receipts generated by tourists in 2024 accounted for $36 million in state revenue, and $27 million in local taxes—representing more than $600 per local household in the region. For every $100 spent by visitors in the region, $34 goes directly back to locals in employee earnings.
Balloons over Bend, July 2011,Bend,Central Oregon,USA 
Tourism Bolsters Communities
More than 120 cities and counties across Oregon—including eight in Central Oregon—collect a local transient lodging tax that is distinct from the statewide tax to expend on local programming. A statewide study conducted by ECONorthwest in 2018 found that cities and counties that
levied a local transient lodging tax spent the plurality of the revenue on general services. Other major categories of local investment include tourism facilities such as meeting spaces and sports fields; tourism promotion and marketing through organizations such as Visit Bend or Explore Sisters; arts, culture and entertainment and local events.
In line with statute, 20% of state transient lodging taxes are directed to seven regional tourism organizations, with Visit Central Oregon serving the Central Oregon region, for community responsive tourism development and promotion. Local transient tax dollars, especially those expended on tourism facilities and promotional programs, can be leveraged against regional and state tourism expenditures to attract and steward visitors in individual communities. This increase in visitors, in turn, increases resources for arts and culture, infrastructure and public services—directly benefiting Oregonians in those communities.
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