Grants Pass Looks for New Members to Influence Oregon’s Tourism Strategy and Growth, Get the Details Here

Published on November 20, 2025

The City of Grants Pass is now accepting applications from residents for two Civic Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) members and is looking for individuals who wish to make an impact in the community. These volunteers serve on the Committee for a substantial period until March 31, 2028. They will help the City promote its community and economically develop the City. The City of Grants Pass is working on its Tourism Development Strategy for the first time and this offers the City an opportunity to work on the Strategy which will have a significant impact in the community. The region will be able to promote its community and economically develop the City. The area is a vibrant community which offers a great deal for visitors to the area.

The Advisory Committee will help the applicants gain experience from high level expertise and speak on behalf of the community about promoting tourism to Grants Pass. The community will help the community and the City make Grants Pass a Sustainable Destination for all visitors and the community, and all points of the surrounding region.

The Role and Mission of the Tourism Advisory Committee
The Tourism Advisory Committee serves as an essential advisory body to the Grants Pass City Council. Committee members are responsible for shaping the tourism strategy, offering insight on how the city can best attract visitors, improve its image, and encourage local engagement. The overarching mission of the committee is to create and implement programs that connect both residents and tourists to local events, attractions, and activities.

In its strategic role, the TAC provides guidance on the city’s marketing efforts, contributing ideas for promoting the area to potential visitors. It works closely with the city’s contracted tourism provider, offering feedback and suggestions on ongoing initiatives and new proposals. By evaluating and recommending marketing and promotional strategies, committee members help ensure that tourism efforts are aligned with the city’s broader economic goals and community values.

The Tourism Advisory Committee’s influence is felt across many aspects of local tourism, from the design of marketing campaigns to the implementation of sustainable tourism practices. By helping define the direction of Grants Pass’s tourism initiatives, committee members have a direct impact on how the city positions itself in the broader tourism market.

Responsibilities of Tourism Advisory Committee Members
Committee members have several key responsibilities that directly impact the growth and success of tourism in Grants Pass. One of their primary duties is to review and assess the performance of the city’s tourism provider. This involves evaluating current tourism programs, activities, and events, and ensuring they meet the city’s objectives. The committee also works with tourism professionals to assess new proposals for tourism projects and make recommendations to the City Council.

Another significant aspect of the committee’s role is to provide input on destination management, offering insights on how the city can optimize its attractions and community offerings to appeal to both tourists and locals. Their work also focuses on the development of sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that tourism growth does not come at the expense of the city’s long-term environmental and cultural health.

Members also help manage the budget for tourism-related programs, ensuring that funds are spent effectively to maximize the city’s tourism potential. These responsibilities give committee members the opportunity to drive real change in the community, helping to balance tourism growth with the city’s local needs and long-term vision.

Seeking a Diverse Range of Applicants
The Tourism Advisory Committee values a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds in its members. Applicants are encouraged from sectors closely tied to tourism, such as river guiding, tourism-based attractions, real estate, restaurants, media, and marketing. Additionally, citizens-at-large who possess a strong interest in community development or have an understanding of the region’s tourism landscape are encouraged to apply.

The diverse experiences of committee members are integral to developing a holistic tourism strategy that supports a wide range of stakeholders, from small businesses to large tourism operators. People with knowledge of the local natural resources, culture, and unique attractions of Grants Pass will be especially valuable in helping guide the city’s tourism efforts in a way that resonates with both locals and visitors.

By seeking a broad spectrum of applicants, the City of Grants Pass ensures that the Tourism Advisory Committee represents the varied interests of the community. This diversity ensures that the tourism strategy reflects a comprehensive and inclusive view of what makes Grants Pass a great destination.

Applications and Selection Process for Committee Members
Applications for the Tourism Advisory Committee are now open and can be submitted through the city’s online application system or obtained from the City Administration Office located at 101 N.W. A Street. All completed applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026. The Tourism Advisory Committee will review all submissions at its scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, where it will evaluate applicants based on their qualifications, interest in tourism, and ability to contribute to the committee’s objectives.

Following the committee’s evaluation, final appointments will be made by the Grants Pass City Council at its meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Those selected will join a dedicated group tasked with helping drive the city’s tourism efforts, contributing to the continued development of Grants Pass as a welcoming and vibrant destination.

Impact of the Tourism Advisory Committee on Grants Pass Tourism
The Tourism Advisory Committee plays a central role in ensuring the success of tourism initiatives in Grants Pass. By overseeing the city’s tourism strategy, providing marketing insight, and making sustainable recommendations, the committee helps foster economic growth, job creation, and a stronger local tourism industry. The decisions made by the committee will shape the visitor experience, making Grants Pass a more attractive and accessible destination.

Tourism is a significant economic driver for Grants Pass, with visitors contributing to the local economy through their spending at hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and local attractions. By guiding the city’s tourism strategy, the Tourism Advisory Committee ensures that Grants Pass continues to thrive as a destination for regional, national, and international visitors.

Moreover, the committee’s work also supports sustainable tourism practices, which will help preserve the town’s natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations. As tourism grows, the committee’s efforts will play an integral role in managing visitor numbers, optimizing the impact on local resources, and ensuring that tourism benefits are shared equitably across the community.

Join the Effort to Shape Grants Pass Tourism

For those individuals interested in furthering community development, tourism streamlining, and defining the future of Grants Pass as a destination, Tourism Advisory Committee purposes community development tourism streamlining activity and future of Grants Pass as a destination. With the opening of two committee seats, citizens are invited to volunteer and offer their ideas and knowledge to one of the city’s most essential areas. New committee members will be able to shape the future of tourism in Grants Pass in a sustainable positive direction and establish a legacy for the city that will serve the community as well as the visitors.