Oregon Tour & Travel Alliance
E-Newsletter
Message from Your President

Happy April! Pause and take a deep breath (outside and properly socially distanced of course) --spring is in the air! Tulips are blooming, bees are buzzing, hikers are hiking, and there is a renewed optimism for the tourism industry. Thank goodness because I think we’re all ready for this past year to kick rocks! I am thankful that so many OTTA members were able to persevere through 2020. And, even though we know 2021 is going to be another tough year, I encourage you to continue supporting and lifting each other up -that is the true strength of our Oregon tourism family. 

A great way to acknowledge those in our travel and tourism community is with a nomination for one of the Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism awards. Categories include the Oregon Tourism Rising Star (those in the industry less than 5 years), Oregon Diversity of Explorers Award, Oregon Leadership Award and Oregon Partnership Award. Nominations are due by April 14th and the nomination forms can be found here https://t.e2ma.net/click/dq8o8f/9ickoebb/d6wupub

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” – Haruki Murakami

Cheers,

Tammy Thompson
OTTA President
Hotelco, LLC
Support OTTA's 2021 Fundraising Activities 
Year Long 50/50 Raffle 

3 tickets for $10
7 tickets for $20
20 tickets for $50

 
Start buying your 50/50 raffle tickets now! You can buy some every day, every week or every month. The raffle pot will keep growing until October 25! 50% of the pot will be given to a lucky winner on October 25 at the OTTA fall meeting in Ashland.
Member Profile: Nancy Burke

Nancy Burke is a 4th generation Oregonian, and the family on her father’s side started a small grocery out of their Portland family farm in 1902 which eventually grew into Strohecker’s, famous for their wines and gourmet foods. She is married with two boys, and a 4 year old grandson. Her family loves what Oregon offers in outdoor recreation such as backpacking, hiking, camping, sailing, SUP, etc.
 
Nancy has been a part of OTTA for five years.
 
While she was aware of OTTA during her 30+ years of working in the tourism industry, Nancy was formally introduced to OTTA by her associate at MEDIAmerica, Terra Moreland. This year she was honored to be asked to serve on the OTTA board by Mandy Morgan.
 
MEDIAmerica provides publishing and content services, with a focus on tourism. Their partner list includes Travel Oregon, Travel Lane County, Travel Salem, Seaside Visitor Bureau, as well as others. The organization believes strongly in giving back to their industry partners, and volunteering with OTTA is one waysheI can help OTTA members be successful in their group travel efforts, as well as learn about the challenges and wins along the way. And the fun networking!!!!  
 
What is her favorite OTTA activity? Gosh, that is a hard one as they are all so good! Nancy would have to say one that stands out recently is the OTTA meeting in Astoria – She always learn new things at the meetings, but who knew there was such a thing a meat bingo!!!??
 
What a year it has been. While it has been incredibly challenging for the tourism industry, she is once again amazed at the resiliency, creativity, partnerships, and kindness that our tourism industry folks have shown towards each other, and their customers. The past year has really made her proud to be a small part of it. One of the more interesting – and positive – movements she has seen is many over-loved areas taking advantage of the pause to re-think how to open back up to visitors, but with more balance between tourism and community needs, such as the Hawaiian Islands, Key West, Thailand’s National Parks, etc.
 
On a personal level Nancy will never take a simple hug and kiss from one of my family members for granted ever again.
Register Your Guide, Operator, or Outfitter Business
for Travel Oregon's Why Guides Program

Travel Oregon’s is excited to share the new Why Guides program, an agency-wide effort to recognize and promote tourism industry operators, guides and outfitters as one of the state’s top tourism assets. This community is made up of local experts who help travelers discover unique experiences, follow destination management principles, and provide land stewardship throughout the state, creating memorable and sustainable experiences for visitors.

Oregon-based tour guides, operators and outfitters are invited to join the Why Guides registry to help Travel Oregon tell the story of why guides are a valuable way to experience Oregon. The registry will be available through April 30th and information received through this platform will be used for marketing promotions including website content, targeted media pitches, local news segments and more focused on Oregon’s guiding community.

Click here for more information, program goals and to register now!
Travel Guys Radio Promotion

The Travel Guys radio show, brought to you by Sports Leisure Vacations, is looking for new and enticing destinations in Oregon to share with listeners and travelers on their Sunday afternoon radio program in the Sacramento area. OTTA members have been invited to submit their company or destination to participate in a 5-7 minute taped interview that will be used in the show. Participation in this show is free but not guaranteed. All submissions will be reviewed by the Travel Guys. Click here if you are interested.
Calendar of Events


April 6 OTIS Training
May 2021 - OTTA Spring Meeting - Date and Time TBD
June 15-16 2021 Oregon Governor’s Conference Register here
October 25 OTTA Fall meeting in Ashland
Oregon Tour & Travel Alliance
www.oregontourandtravelalliance.com
info@oregonpackagedtravel.com
503.626.8197