Press Room
Welcome to Travel Oregon’s press room.
In these uncertain times, we know you may have questions about how COVID-19 is impacting Oregon’s tourism industry. We’ve compiled some information to help answer these questions. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to someone on our team.
If you are looking for additional inspiration for story ideas, please keep scrolling. We’ll need you, our media friends, to help us tell Oregon’s stories and inspire folks to travel when it’s appropriate to do so.
General information
- On March 23, Governor Kate Brown released an Executive Order to “Stay Home, Save Lives.” This new policy orders Oregonians to stay in their homes whenever possible and includes stronger language around approved activities and business operations.
- There is a Travel Alert page on traveloregon.com with daily updated travel information for consumers.
Potential Impact on U.S. Tourism Industry
- Travel supports 15.8 million jobs that are immediately threatened by impacts of the coronavirus.
- 83% of travel companies are small businesses.
- The projected 4.6 million travel-related jobs lost would, by themselves, nearly double the U.S. unemployment rate (3.5% to 6.3%).
- Total spending on travel in the U.S.— transportation, lodging, retail, attractions and restaurants — is projected to plunge by $355 billion for the year, or 31%. That is more than six times the impact of 9/11.
International Tourism
- International visits to the U.S. are expected to decline at least 23% this year with 18 million fewer travelers visiting the U.S. in 2020 than in 2019.
- International market impacts will tally 13 times the impact of SARS and nearly double the impact of 9/11.
- A loss of $49 billion in international spending is anticipated this year.
- In 2019, inbound tourism to Oregon from China represented $218 million in visitor spending. By comparison, Japan accounted for about $98 million, while the United Kingdom represented approximately $63 million.
Questions & Answers
How many cases of COVID-19 are in Oregon right now?
- For the latest information on Oregon visit the Oregon Healthy Authority website.
Does Travel Oregon recommend people cancel upcoming trips to Oregon?
- In support of Governor Brown’s executive order, and to slow the spread of COVID-19, we suggest folks postpone their trip.
What is closed? What is open?
- Starting May 6, limited day-use services at eight selected Oregon State Parks will begin. Other parks will slowly return to offering services starting the week of May 11. Currently, museums, theaters and other cultural establishments, like the Oregon Shakespeare Festival are still closed.
- Although restaurants are closed to in-person service, many are open for take-out and delivery.
- Here are some ideas on how to support small businesses and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional Resources
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