Travel Oregon Provides $2.3 Million in Grants for Tourism Projects

Travel Oregon, the state’s tourism office, is providing $2.3 million in grants to fund projects across the state to help spur tourism as Oregon tries to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local governments, port districts, federally recognized tribes, nonprofits and Oregon-based tour operators and guides can apply for up to $100,000 in funding to support projects focused on improving infrastructure to safely welcome back tourists as the pandemic continues.

The agency will fund projects that support outdoor recreation, help guides and tour companies operate, enable paid events and attractions to safely move forward, and improve business districts, including funding projects that create new outdoor spaces for visitors.

The application process will remain open until March 31. Projects must be completed by the end of November.

The new initiative comes after Travel Oregon last month awarded $913,000 to fund 34 projects across the state focused on improving visitor experiences during the pandemic. Among the recipients of that grant money was Portland’s economic development agency, which received $50,000 to improve the city’s green loop.

More than 1 million people visit Oregon in a typical year, fueling a $12.8 billion tourism industry, according to Travel Oregon.

Source: The Oregonian