In 2009, nearly 8.9 million people visited the metropolitan region, spending $3.5 billion in area businesses. As one-tenth of our local economy, travel and tourism is a major contributor to the region's economic prosperity and livability.
Metro Council President David Bragdon will join other community leaders to acknowledge the important role tourism plays in the ability to create and support jobs, vibrant neighborhoods and safe and reliable transportation systems at a Travel Rally at noon on Tuesday, May 11 in Pioneer Courthouse Square.
"Despite the economic challenges of recent years, tourism has remained strong in our region, comparably speaking," said Bragdon. He attributes the region's appeal to its proximity to outdoor recreation and scenery, reputation for lively urban neighborhoods and a strong downtown, and a reputation for sustainability – including Metro's LEED-EB Silver-certified Oregon Convention Center.
More than 500,000 people attended conventions, tradeshows, meeting and events at OCC in fiscal year 2008-09, inducing $421 million in direct and indirect spending in restaurants, hotels, retail stores and services. Because OCC is the gateway to the rest of the state for many visitors, its sustainable operating practices and distinctively Oregon art work convey an important first impression of the state's conservation and cultivation of natural resources and healthy, active lifestyles.
Many return as residents and employees of businesses who share those same principles, contributing to the region's innovative economic clusters including outdoor sportswear, bicycle products and organic food and beverage products.
Bragdon predicts that travel and tourism will play an integral part in the region's economic recovery.