Source: Dean Runyan Associates
Tourism dollars at work on the Oregon Coast
Many tourism organizations, including Travel Oregon, Oregon Coast Visitors Association and Tillamook Coast 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.
Enhancing recreation offerings on the Southern Oregon Coast
Building new world-class mountain bike trails capable of hosting large-scale races and bringing new visitors to rural communities.
Supporting the local seafood economy
Investing in workforce development, fish processing infrastructure and outreach and media support to ensure visitors are enjoying fish caught on the Oregon Coast and that tourism development efforts positively impact other key coastal sectors
Addressing congestion challenges
Including helping fund and market the North Coast Express shuttle pilot to address traffic and emissions concerns from residents
Enhancing trail stewardship
Funding maintenance of well-loved coastal trails through partnerships with area non-profits and serving as the convening body to inform the future development of the Oregon Coast Trail
Increasing beach access
Funding all-terrain track wheelchairs available for free use by locals and visitors on beaches up and down the Coast.
Oregon Coast
Economic Impact of Tourism on the Oregon Coast
$2.6 billion
Direct Travel Spending
26,750
Jobs
17.4 million
Overnight stays
Local Oregon Coast tax receipts generated by tourists in 2024 accounted for $75 million in state revenue, and $48 million in local taxes—representing more than $1,254 per local household in the region. For every $100 spent by visitors in the region, $38 goes directly back to locals in employee earnings.
Tourism Bolsters Communities
More than 120 cities and counties across Oregon — including 24 on the Oregon Coast — 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 Oregon’s Adventure Coast or the Astoria Warrenton Chamber; 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 the Oregon Coast Visitors Association serving the Coast 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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