TSOC recently hosted a Strategic Marketing Planning Meeting to shape our promotional strategies for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Government, tourism, and business leaders from Reedsport to Brookings attended to brainstorm regional marketing ideas, share promotional strategies, and discuss how TSOC can support local efforts. The response was overwhelming.

Thank you to everyone who participated and shared your wonderful ideas. Stay tuned for a report on how we plan to incorporate your feedback.

On April 3, TSOC joined partners at the CCD Women in Business Leadership Conference to share Tourism 101: The Basics Every Business Owner Should Know—a clear, approachable look at how tourism supports our region.

Moderated by Barb Dunham, the panel brought together TSOC Executive Director Julie Miller and TSOC Board Members Janice Langlinais and Miranda Plagge, alongside Bob Hackett, Executive Director of Travel Southern Oregon, offering both local and regional perspectives.

The conversation explored how tourism is funded through overnight visitors, how efforts are coordinated across communities, and why it matters to more than just hospitality. As shared during the session, tourism supports jobs, services, events, and community investment. Even if you never see a visitor walk through your door, tourism is still working behind the scenes to support your business and your community.

It’s a system that’s locally funded, regionally coordinated, and state supported—and one that works best when businesses stay connected and engaged

Registration is now open for this summer's Curry County Junior Lifeguard Program, the first and only one of its kind in Oregon. The program, taught by certified open water lifeguards, is open to youth aged 9-17. Participants will learn ocean safety awareness and lifesaving skills, while improving their open water swimming, board, and paddling abilities.

Sessions will be held at three locations: Sunset Bay State Park (Coos Bay) on June 22-26, Port Beach-Battle Rock (Port Orford) on July 27-31, and Harris Beach State Park (Brookings) on August 10-14. The Harris Beach session is filling up fast, but many spots are still available for the newest session at Sunset Bay. Further program details can be found on their website.

Organizers are seeing more registrants from outside the area this year, with families coming from Bend, Ashland, Newport, and beyond. Many are staying at state parks and short-term vacation rentals, turning the program into a great reason to visit the coast for a unique experience.

Join the Wild Coast Trails Association for their Wild Coast Trail Extravaganza on May 30 at 100 Acre Wood Park in Coquille.

Meet new friends to walk and bike the trails with. The event will feature gift card giveaways, guided rides, a scavenger hunt, live music, e-bike demonstrations, and several hiker and biker workshops. Coquille Valley Hospital will provide lunch.

The Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) drives tourism and generates more revenue than the tax itself. An annual TLT reinvestment of $260 million yields $14 billion in economic activity. TLT distribution is crucial for job creation across Oregon—not just in hospitality, but also in retail, agriculture & transportation.

Data from Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA).