May 9, 2024
TRAVEL SOUTHERN OREGON COAST NETWORK NEWS
2023 WHISKEY RUN FESTIVAL WEEKEND FEATURED IN THE RADAVIST

The 2023 "Whiskey Run Discovery Weekend" campaign continues to yield significant rewards for TSOC and the Southern Oregon Coast. As a key element of this initiative, TSOC invited travel writers and influencers to experience the event firsthand. Among these were writer Steven Smith and photographer Chris Hornbecker, whose account of the weekend was recently featured in The Radavist.

Their story recounts the adventures of a group of friends as they explored the natural wonders and recreational activities that our region offers. Their aim was to share their discoveries with enthusiasts looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations. Read on to get the full story.
TSOC SPONSORS "RIDE THE DIRT WAVE" AS IT RETURNS TO WHISKEY RUN TRAILS

TSOC is proud to again sponsor "Ride the Dirt Wave" at Whiskey Run Trails on July 20-21. This highly-anticipated mountain biking event kicks off on June 8-9 at Klootchy Creek Trails in Clatsop County, followed by the event at Whisky Run, and finishes at Big Creek trails in Newport on August 3-4. Last year's Whiskey Run event was a huge success and garnered TSOC the coveted Oregon Partnership Award for their "Whiskey Run Discovery Weekend" campaign.
OCVA COMES TO BANDON FOR A TOURISM PARTNER MEET & GREET
TSOC, in collaboration with Oregon's Adventure Coast, Travel Curry Coast, and the Bandon Chamber of Commerce, recently hosted an informal networking event at the Crowsnest Lounge in Bandon. The gathering was organized to introduce the new staff members of the Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA).

We would like to extend our thanks to the numerous local business owners and tourism stakeholders who attended, making it a valuable opportunity to connect with OCVA and all our tourism partners.
TRAVEL OREGON SHARES THE 2012 ARRIVALIST VISITATION REPORT

Travel Oregon's latest insights, sourced from GPS data provider Arrivalist, shed light on Oregon visitation patterns observed in 2023.

The first seven slides of the report present data on a statewide level, followed by a detailed breakdown by region and county. Starting on page 18, data specific to the Coastal Region, including Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties, reveal the following:

  • The Coastal Region attracted 19.2% of all regional trips within Oregon.
  • The primary sources of visitors to the Coastal Region were from the Portland, Eugene, and Seattle areas.
  • July and August emerged as the peak visitation months.
  • Friday is the most popular day for visits.

View the report and explore the data for a deeper understanding of visitor origins and travel behaviors.
TRAVEL OREGON RESIDENT SENTIMENT SURVEY RESULTS HAVE ARRIVED

Did you complete the Oregon Resident Sentiment Survey distributed earlier this year? The results have arrived, and the Coast was well represented, submitting the highest number of responses of any region!

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Residents agree that nature/the outdoors is our greatest asset.
  • Oregonians value our natural resources and feel a personal responsibility to protect them.
  • Most Oregonians agree that increased media awareness benefits Oregon, and the state should promote itself. 
  • The benefits of tourism currently outweigh the negatives. However, increasing pressure on traffic, housing, and jobs could have long-term impacts on resident sentiment.

Delve into the full report for a deeper understanding of how Oregonians view our state.
SCHEDULE A LOCAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM WORKSHOP

Interested in promoting sustainable and regenerative tourism in your area? Southern Oregon University and Travel Oregon provide one and two-day sustainable tourism training programs that can be tailored to suit your local community.

This workshop is designed specifically for professionals within Oregon's tourism industry. Attendees will delve into Travel Oregon's strategic vision, understand the core principles of sustainability, and acquire skills necessary for fostering and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

To schedule a workshop in your region, contact Dr. Pavlina McGrady.
TAKE THE ORLA WORKFORCE SURVEY FOR OREGON COAST RESTAURANT & LODGING OWNERS

Attention all restaurant and lodging proprietors!

Your unique experiences and insights are invaluable in deepening comprehension of workforce dynamics, both challenges and achievements, within the restaurant and lodging sector.

The Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) cordially invites members of the industry to participate in a concise, eight-minute survey.

Your participation will provide essential data, assisting ORLA in its mission to bolster businesses such as yours.
UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS
UPCOMING GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joe Benetti-Coos Bay Mayor • Amy Bailey-The Mill Casino • Forrest Neuerburg-City of Coquille • Margaret Pounder-Bandon Chamber of Commerce • Janice Langlinais-Coos Bay-North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau • Rodger Craddock-Southwest Oregon Regional Airport • Miranda Plagge-Travel Curry Coast • Marie Simonds-Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation • Michael Chupka-Bandon Dunes Golf Resort • Rod Taylor-Coos County Commissioner • Dave Lacey-Oregon Coast Visitors Association • Miles Phillips-Oregon State University
Travel Southern Oregon Coast Network
541-297-2821
PHOTO CREDITS: The Radavist and Whiskey Run Photos by Chris Hornbecker, Bandon Old Town Mall by Manuela Durson, Residents Survey Photo by Cynthia Stetson, Sustainable Tourism - Cape Blanco by Clinton Steeds