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MAKING A DIFFERENCE ON THE SOUTH COAST
We collaborate to enhance economic development through sustainable tourism.
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September 3, 2026
TRAVEL SOUTHERN OREGON COAST NETWORK NEWS
| | EPIC ADVENTURES ON THE SOUTHERN OREGON COAST MURAL NOW COMPLETE | | |
It's finished! Last month, we gave you a sneak peek at our brand-new Epic Adventures Mural in downtown Coos Bay. And now, it's complete! Inspired by the incredible experiences that draw visitors from around the world — hiking, paddling, biking, golfing, dune riding, fresh seafood, and more — this stunning community landmark was brought to life by artist Chris McNally, with funding from Travel Southern Oregon Coast and the Oregon Coast Visitor Association.
Stay tuned for the official unveiling and celebration! In the meantime, stop by the Blue Sky Bike Shop at 134 S. Broadway and take in this beautiful tribute to epic adventures on the Southern Oregon Coast!
| | YOU'RE INVITED TO OCVA'S SOUTH COAST BUSINESS SOCIAL | | |
Join OCVA for their South Coast Business Social on Monday, September 14, from 6–8 pm at Bandon Sushi, 140 2nd St SE, Bandon. This is a great opportunity to connect with tourism colleagues over appetizers and beverages as the busy summer season winds down. Learn more about what OCVA does as the Regional Destination Management Organization in partnership with coastal tourism organizations and local communities.
The following day, Tuesday, September 15, OCVA will hold their board meeting from 10 am-2 pm in the St. Andrews Room at McKee's Pub, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Guests are welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend either event. We hope to see you there!
| | SPONSORSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE FOR FOOD SYSTEMS & CULINARY TOURISM EVENTS | | |
Travel Oregon is offering event sponsorships ($1,000–$10,000) to support Oregon's culinary tourism and local food systems. Events must take place by June 30, 2027, and funding is available through April 2027, or until funds run out, on a rolling basis.
Eligible events must fall into one of these categories:
- Consumer-facing events celebrating local food, beverage, seafood, or agriculture
- Industry events connecting local producers with chefs & tourism buyers
- Training or education events for agritourism operators
Priority is given to events that deliver remarkable experiences, respect the environment, and drive tourism outcomes such as increased foot traffic, overnight stays, or long-distance travel. Events elevating voices of underserved communities are also prioritized.
Read on for more details, or apply by completing the Sponsorship Intake Form (link below). For questions, contact Hilary@traveloregon.com.
| | KIM FOSTER JOINS OCVA AS INDUSTRY COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR | | | | Kim Foster has joined the Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA) as their Industry Communications and Engagement Coordinator. Based in Port Orford, Kim spent several years leading destination marketing for the city and has contributed significantly to TSOC marketing efforts. In her new role, Kim connects coastal tourism partners with OCVA through communications, storytelling, and partner engagement. Kim's passion for balancing visitor experience, rural economic support, and stewardship of the Oregon Coast's land and water resources makes her a valuable addition to the OCVA team, especially for the South Coast! | | "THE ABUNDANCY CONCEPT" - A FREE SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP | | |
CCD Business Development Corporation is partnering with Business Oregon to bring "The 2026 Abundancy Concept" to Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties. This half-day professional development workshop is designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations, bringing together the people, tools, and resources available in our region.
Hear from subject matter experts, connect with local and statewide resource partners, and network with businesses and organizations from across the region. Barb Dunham from TSOC and other locally-familiar faces will be presenting.
Walk away with practical ideas, new connections, and fresh opportunities you can act on right away. Learn more and register for Coos and Curry County sessions. Douglas County coming soon.
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Adult visitors to Oregon have taken an average of 5.3 trips to the state, with 81.9% having visited at least twice.
Just 18.1% of 2024-2025 Oregon Coast visitors were first-timers. In-state visitors reported a significantly higher average of 8.6 trips within Oregon.
Data from Travel Oregon's Oregon Coast Region 2025 Visitor Profile Study conducted by Future Partners.
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HAVE YOU HEARD?
Dat Cajun Cart in Reedsport...
- Is now open and serving up authentic Louisiana-style flavor and soul. Marcus and Megan invite you to, "Come on down to da cart and 'Get Some South in Ya Mouth!'"
The Coffee Dock in Gold Beach...
- Is under new ownership. Located on the lower level of the Cannery Building at the Port of Gold Beach, just downstairs from the Gold Beach Main Street Office. Stop by for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat.
Barnacle Bistro in Gold Beach...
- Has reopened its doors with a beautifully restored and revitalized space thanks to an Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant.
Gold Beach Main Street...
- Launched Business Connect in September, a new series of free quarterly stakeholder meetings created to strengthen communication, collaboration, and connection with the businesses they serve.
Do you have news you would like to share? Email us.
RECENTLY PUBLISHED ARTICLES
Check out these recently published articles on the TSOC website.
UPCOMING ARTICLES - 7 WONDERS OF THE SOC
What seven attractions would you put on the list of the "7 Wonders of the Southern Oregon Coast?" Give us your recommendations by September 30.
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UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS
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Women in Tourism & Hospitality Symposium (Bend), Sept 12
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ORLA Hospitality Conference (Bend), September 12-14
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OCVA Fall Board Social (Bandon), September 14
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OCVA Fall Board Meeting (Zoom), September 15
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Abundancy Concept - Coos County (Coos Bay), September 14
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Abundancy Concept - Curry County (Brookings), September 21
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ORLA Regional Roundup (Coos Bay), September 30
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People's Coast Summit (Lincoln City), October 13-14
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Western Travel & Tourism Research Association Conference (Reno), October 20-22
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Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit (Ashland), October 22-24
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Oregon Coast Economic Summit (Seaside), October 29
UPCOMING TOURISM EVENTS
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Second Saturday Art Walk (Brookings), Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 14
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Bandon Cranberry Festival, September 12-13
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21st Annual Salmon Celebration (Coos Bay), September 12-13
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Bay Area Fun Festival (Coos Bay), September 19-20
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Coos Bay Downtown Wine Walk, October 2
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North Bend Sip 'N Stroll Fall Kick-Off, October 9
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Coos History Museum Oktoberfest, October 10
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Run Whiskey Run, October 10
UPCOMING GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Amy Bailey-Ko-Kwel Casino Resort • Christine Michalek-Big Wheel General Store • Dave Lacey-Oregon Coast Visitors Association • Joe Benetti-Coos Bay Mayor • John Sweet-Coos County Commissioner • Marie Simonds-Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation • Michael Chupka-Bandon Dunes Golf Resort • Miles Phillips-Oregon State University • Miranda Plagge-Oregon's Wild Rivers Coast • Rodger Craddock-Southwest Oregon Regional Airport
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PHOTO CREDITS: Epic Adventures Mural by Barb Dunham, Culinary Events by Justin Myers, Kim Foster courtesy of OCVA
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