Portland, Ore. – The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, has awarded more than $1.4 million through its Capacity and Small Project Grant Program to help destination marketing/management organizations and federally-recognized tribes with capacity building and targeted projects to enhance and expand economic impact through travel and tourism. Funds were awarded to develop and refine skills, systems, structures, and strategies to help the awardee successfully fulfill its mission and achieve outcomes that are more impactful. All projects being funded by this program must be completed by December 31, 2023.
“These grants directly support destination marketing and management organizations and tribal entities who are working every day on a range of improvements from enhanced accessibility and inclusion for all travelers to fostering sustainable travel that can even enhance the geographical character of a place,
from its environment and culture to its heritage and the well-being of residents,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “We’re excited to see what our awardees are able to accomplish collectively to help inspire travel and uplift Oregon communities in the year ahead.”
Preference for Travel Oregon’s Capacity and Small Project Grants was given to proposals that focused on capacity building as Travel Oregon believes capacity building funds provide an opportunity for awardees to set the organizational foundation to successfully move future projects forward.
The Capacity and Small Grant Project Eastern Oregon awardees are listed below. For complete details on projects/awardees see below:
Eastern Oregon Visitors Association ($48,406) for professional development to support staff participation in the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy and in Cornell’s Sustainable Tourism Development Management Online course. Additionally, technical assistance to improve organizational effectiveness by updating the organization’s bylaws; hosting a Board retreat; and implementing a software platform to enhance management of its regional grant program.
Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce ($3,600) for review of personnel and compliance policies and a final formatted updated employee handbook.
Pendleton Chamber of Commerce, dba Travel Pendleton ($12,000) to support a shoulder season (winter) marketing campaign targeted at the Portland area.
About Travel Oregon
The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, is a semi-independent state agency whose mission is to inspire travel that uplifts Oregon communities. Collaborating with stakeholders to align as stewards of Oregon, we work to optimize economic opportunity, advance equity, and respect the ecosystems, cultures, and places that make Oregon… Oregon. Travel Oregon aims to improve Oregonians’ quality of life by strengthening the economic impacts of the state’s $10.9 billion tourism industry, which employs more than 100,000 Oregonians.
