In 2022, a staggering $13.9 billion was generated by Oregon’s travel and tourism industry. This industry not only brings immense revenue but also offers over 117,000 jobs to Oregonians, as reported by Travel Oregon. 

So, how exactly does tourism thrive in the state? The following three organizations are important to tourism in Oregon: Travel Oregon, the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association, and the Oregon Destination Association. 

Travel Oregon serves as the official tourism destination marketing organization (DMO) for the state. With a mission to encourage economic growth and enhance the quality of life in Oregon, this agency focuses on promoting tourism on a statewide level. Travel Oregon partners with Oregon’s regional and local DMOs across the state to effectively execute their strategies for success in Oregon.

The Oregon Destination Association (ODA) serves as a membership association that creates a statewide network of regional and local DMOs. ODA acts as a unifying force, through connecting tourism-related businesses and services with not only each other but entities such as Travel Oregon and the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. As a leading voice of the tourism industry in Oregon, ODA fosters collaboration and serves as a platform for education, leadership development, and industry advocacy. 

The Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) is the primary business association representing the food service and lodging sector in Oregon. ORLA advocates for over 10,000 foodservice locations and more than 2,400 lodging establishments in the state, with over 3,000 members. ORLA plays a pivotal role in protecting, improving, and promoting hospitality in Oregon. 

Oregon’s tourism industry owes much of its success to the collaborative efforts of key organizations such as Travel Oregon, the Oregon Destination Association (ODA), and the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA). 

These organizations work to promote Oregon as a premier travel destination, foster industry partnerships, advocate for the interests of tourism-related businesses, and enhance the overall visitor experience. As the state continues to attract travelers from around the world, these organizations will remain crucial in shaping and sustaining Oregon’s tourism industry. 

Do you work with Extension agents or want to learn more about Extension supported tourism projects from across the country. Join the National Extension Tourism Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 24-27, 2023!

This year the NET Conference will be in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the first time. Wisconsin is known as a prime agritourism destination and is situated near two great lakes.

The theme of the conference is “Envisioning the Future of Extension in Tourism” and will focus on social justice issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other related tourism topics. The NET conference encourages Extension professionals, academic faculty, industry professionals, students, and people working in tourism and recreation to join. 

Register here: https://extensiontourism.net/2023-net-conference/net-2023-registration-information/

Here is an opportunity to learn about tourism management perspectives outside of Oregon. Join the Regenerative Tourism Conference at the Waikiki Prince Hotel on Oahu, Hawaii on August 8-9, 2023!

Co-sponsored by the Northeast Asia Economic Forum and Hawaii Sea Grant, this event focuses on sustainable tourism management. Explore current research, education, and active destination management solutions in the Asia-Pacific Region. Learn from experts and network with industry professionals and stakeholders. Field trips to Hanauma Bay and Diamond Head Monument are offered on August 9 to learn about current destination management of these sites.

Information on Registration