Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Travel Oregon announces 2023’s top tourism contributors on March 11, 2024, at the Salem-based Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
On the first day of the week, March 11, 2024, Oregon’s leading travel entity, Travel Oregon, proudly revealed the laureates of the 2023 accolades for notable contributions to the state’s tourism and travel sector. The occasion was the 2024 iteration of the Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism, staged at the Salem Convention Center, where over 500 professionals from the tourism industry convened. This assembly aimed at exchanging knowledge and forging unity to elevate visitor experiences, endorse sustainable tourism that benefits local communities, promotes equity, preserves Oregon’s diverse natural and cultural landscapes, and enhances community economic stability. This year’s gathering, under the banner “Stewarding Oregon’s Future,” was a collective endeavor spearheaded by Travel Oregon, in collaboration with Travel Salem and the Willamette Valley Visitors Association, encouraging participants to jointly craft a future for tourism that is sustainable.
“Dark Sky tourism is a meaningful and sustainable way to experience a destination while
providing positive environmental, cultural and economic benefits to local communities,” said
Governor Kotek, who visited the proposed Sanctuary in October, as a part of her commitment
to visit all 36 counties in Oregon during her first year in office. “The commitment of the Oregon
Outback Dark Sky Network to the protection and stewardship of our starry night skies—and
today’s designation of a portion of the Oregon Outback as the world’s largest Dark Sky
Sanctuary—is truly inspiring.”
Governor’s Award: Spotlight on the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Network
The highlight of the 2023 Governor’s Award was the honor bestowed upon the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Network, a testament to the network’s significant role in enriching Oregon’s tourism through dedicated service and achievements. In the presence of Governor Kotek, the assembly recognized the network’s successful campaign to have 2.5 million acres of the Oregon Outback designated as the largest Dark Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky International. This initiative, driven by volunteers, unified a wide array of stakeholders including locals, business owners, governmental bodies, ranchers, environmental agencies, tribes, and stargazing aficionados, all rallying around a shared vision. The recently announced designation celebrates the region’s exceptional dark skies, unspoiled landscapes, rich geological and cultural heritage, and a plethora of recreational and public land opportunities.
Leadership Award: Honoring Rebecca Bond of Albany
Under the Leadership Award category, Rebecca Bond from the Albany Visitors Association received accolades for her exemplary contribution to promoting tourism in Oregon. This award recognizes individuals, destination marketing organizations, or businesses that highlight the importance of tourism and exhibit remarkable vision and leadership, thereby enhancing visitor experiences throughout the state. Rebecca Bond was celebrated for her unwavering commitment to the City of Albany, ensuring the vitality and growth of its tourism industry. Her initiatives, such as promoting the Willamette Valley Food Trail and developing a responsive website to update the community on local tourism-related services during the pandemic, have solidified Albany’s status as a premier destination in Oregon.
Collaboration Award: Southern Oregon Coast Travel Initiative
The Collaboration Award is bestowed upon initiatives that showcase how imaginative collaborations can significantly enhance the experience of visitors and spotlight a region or destination. Through the power of both conventional and innovative partnerships, entities can amplify their resources, expertise, and reach, achieving greater operational efficiency and more impactful outcomes. In 2023, the Southern Oregon Coast Travel Initiative (SOCTI) epitomized such collaboration with their annual campaign focused on elevating the profile of the Whiskey Run Trails. This initiative was a concerted effort that spanned tourism entities, cycling advocates, and local businesses, uniting to position Whiskey Run as the premier mountain biking trail system along the Oregon Coast, engaging influencers and enthusiasts from the broader Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Inclusivity Excellence Award: Campfire Hotel
The Inclusivity Excellence Award is given to an organization or locale that has shown exceptional commitment to fostering inclusivity, ensuring accessibility, and promoting diversity and equity within Oregon’s tourism landscape. Since its inception in 2020, Campfire Hotel in Bend has distinguished itself as a haven of inclusivity, hosting an array of events like Drag Bingo and Winter PrideFest celebrations, among others. This approach has not only created a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors but also significantly contributed to making Bend a more inclusive destination.
Excellence in Hospitality Award: Jalét Farrell, Spoke’n Hostel
The Excellence in Hospitality Award is dedicated to recognizing individuals, companies, or organizations that have contributed markedly to the realm of hospitality within Oregon’s tourism sector. Jalét Farrell of Spoke’n Hostel in Mitchell, Oregon, is celebrated for her dedication to creating an exceptionally welcoming environment for cyclists and travelers exploring the rural reaches of Eastern Oregon. Her efforts have turned Spoke’n Hostel into a cornerstone of hospitality, supporting both large-scale events and individual adventurers with the same fervor and warmth, thereby highlighting Mitchell as a must-visit location for those in pursuit of authentic and heartwarming experiences.
Conservation Champion Award: Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland Initiative
The Conservation Champion Award honors a project, program, event, or activity that adopts a conservation-minded approach to positively influence Oregon’s natural landscapes, economy, and cultural heritage. This year, Travel Oregon applauds the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of lands historically belonging to the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce. With a focus on sustainable farming, agritourism, and combating invasive species, the organization commits itself to “deepening the bond between the land and all who appreciate it,” embodying their role as earth’s caretakers and inviting people to reconnect with this significant heritage.
The Gene Landsmann Spirit of Warmth Award: Jeff Kohnstamm
The Gene Landsmann Spirit of Warmth Award is bestowed upon a member of the Oregon ski community (industry/sport) who perfectly exemplifies the essence and influence of Gemütlichkeit. This term, originating from the German language, encapsulates a feeling of warmth, friendliness, and joy, alongside notions of coziness, life quality, and a deep sense of community and well-being.
Jeff Kohnstamm is a figure synonymous with skiing heritage. Growing up within the halls of Timberline Lodge, he took on the mantle of general manager and operator in 1992, continuing his father’s legacy. His tenure on the boards of several key regional and national ski organizations, including his role as President of the Pacific Northwest Ski Area Association, underscores his dedication. Jeff has been instrumental in ensuring that the mountain is a place where the spirit of Gemütlichkeit is not just present but abundant.
Oregon Tourism Innovators Awards
The Innovators Awards celebrate individuals who, despite being relatively new to Oregon’s tourism sector (within the last five years), have demonstrated remarkable leadership, commitment, and enthusiasm towards enhancing the state’s tourism industry. This year, Travel Oregon celebrated seven exceptional Innovators.
Central Oregon | Brandie & Larry McNamee, Antelope Market Revitalizers
In the heart of rural central Oregon, Brandie and Larry McNamee have reimagined the Antelope Market, striving to rejuvenate Antelope’s tourism economy through thoughtful and sustainable approaches. Their work to refurbish the market, alongside efforts to introduce camping and accessible lodging, and spearhead Antelope’s certification as a Dark Sky Community with DarkSky International, showcases their vision. Their innovative leadership and creative strategies are setting the stage for tourism to be a catalyst for positive change in Antelope, a small town with a big heart.
Oregon Coast | Finn Johnson, Coastal Environmental Advocate
In his inaugural year with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association as the North Coast Destination Management Coordinator, Finn Johnson has made significant strides in environmental and community advocacy. He was pivotal in developing and launching a Travel Impact Calculator, aimed at assessing and mitigating the ecological footprint of travel to the coast. His efforts in spearheading the North Coast Transit plan, facilitating connections for EV charging infrastructure development, and co-authoring a substantial federal grant for a transportation study, underscore his commitment to fostering sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities alike.
Eastern Oregon | Catie Boucher, Trailblazer for Inclusive Tourism
Within just two years at the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association as the Special Projects Coordinator, Catie Boucher has carved out a significant niche through her innovative leadership and unwavering dedication to enriching the area’s tourism sector. Catie stands out for her earnest efforts in promoting cultural heritage and her commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Recognized as Eastern Oregon’s Rising Star, she has been a fervent advocate for making Eastern Oregon an inviting place for everyone, inspiring the creation of Travel Oregon’s Accessibility Learning Community by actively engaging in and elevating discussions around tourism accessibility.
Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge | Kent Krumpschmidt, Pioneer of Accessible Transit
Kent Krumpschmidt shines as a beacon of dedication and service in the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge area, earning him the title of Rising Star. Drawing on his background as a former Multnomah County Sheriff, Kent launched the Sasquatch Shuttle in 2021, aimed at offering a welcoming, car-free option for exploring the natural splendors of the Historic Columbia River Highway. A prominent figure in the CGTA Gorge Car Free Action team, Kent’s contributions include devising a comprehensive guide to the Waterfall Corridor, tailored for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility challenges.
Portland Region | Shatrine Krake, Advocate for Business Unity and Diversity
Shatrine Krake stands out in the Portland region as the Director of Business Development and Resources at the Business Recovery Center for Lake Oswego + West Linn. Her philosophy of collective strength and unity is evident in her approach to supporting the diverse tapestry of small businesses. Collaborating with tourism partners like Mt. Hood Territory, Shatrine has enhanced the Wander Willamette website with features that spotlight businesses owned by underrepresented groups, creating inclusive marketing platforms like holiday and dining passports, and actively promoting local enterprises.
Southern Oregon | Megan Pugh, Visionary for Illinois Valley’s Tourism Renaissance
Megan Pugh serves as the Executive Director of the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce, where her leadership has been pivotal in revitalizing the region’s tourism and community fabric. A leading force behind the Destination Ready and Downtown programs, Megan has spearheaded efforts to celebrate the area’s uniqueness through events and initiatives that enhance its charm and connectivity, especially in collaboration with the Oregon Caves & Chateau. Her strategic vision has been instrumental in navigating challenges, from pandemics to wildfires, bolstering the Illinois Valley and Cave Junction’s resilience and growth.
Willamette Valley | Jessy Fabrizio – Stover, Rising Talent in Tourism and Development
Since joining the Willamette Valley Visitors Association as a RARE AmeriCorps member in 2021, Jessy Fabrizio – Stover has rapidly advanced, showcasing exceptional commitment and skill in the tourism sector. Her journey has been marked by an eagerness to tackle new challenges and excel in projects that enhance the association’s goals, particularly in global sales and destination development, signaling her as a notable up-and-comer in tourism.
2023 Industry Achievement Awards Artistry
The unique awards for 2023 were crafted by local artist Kris Kirkman, who employed reclaimed and locally sourced materials in each piece, embedding a sense of the local environment and community spirit within his creations, offering a tangible connection to Oregon’s rich landscape and heritage.
Tags: Oregon, Tourism, Travel Oregon
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
