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Go Oregon Introduces 2023 Travel &, Tourism Industry Achievement Awards in SalemFavoriteTravel Oregon announces 2023’s best hospitality donors on March 11, 2024, at the Salem- based Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism. On the first day of the year, March 11, 2024, Oregon’s leading go object, Travel Oregon, boldly revealed the laureates of the 2023 accolades for significant contributions to the country’s tourism and traveling sector. The event was the 2024 incarnation of the Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism, staged at the Salem Convention Center, where over 500 experts from the hospitality industry convened. This council aimed at exchanging information and forging cohesion to enhance customer experiences, accept sustainable hospitality that benefits local communities, promotes equity, preserves Oregon’s various natural and cultural landscapes, and enhances community financial stability. This year’s gathering, under the banner” Stewarding Oregon’s Future”, was a social effort spearheaded by Travel Oregon, in partnership with Travel Salem and the Willamette Valley Visitors Association, encouraging members to simultaneously create a prospect for hospitality that is green. Governor’s Award: Spotlight on the Oregon Outback Dark Sky NetworkThe 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. The assembly recognized the network’s successful campaign, which included the designation of 2.5 million acres of the Oregon Outback by DarkSky International as the largest Dark Sky Sanctuary, in the presence of Governor Kotek. 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. Honoring Rebecca Bond of Albany Under the Leadership Award category, the Albany Visitors Association was recognized for her outstanding contribution to promoting tourism in Oregon. This award recognizes individuals, destination marketing initiatives, or businesses that demonstrate exceptional leadership and vision while enhancing the state’s visitor experiences. Rebecca Bond was praised for her unwavering support for Albany’s tourism industry, which contributed to its vitality and expansion. Her initiatives have strengthened Albany’s position as a top tourist destination in Oregon, such as promoting the Willamette Valley Food Trail and creating a responsive website to keep the community informed about local tourism-related services during the pandemic. Southern Oregon Coast Travel Initiative Collaborative Award is bestowed on initiatives that demonstrate how creative collaborations can significantly enhance visitor experiences and highlight 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. The Southern Oregon Coast Travel Initiative ( SOCTI ) exemplified this concept in their annual campaign, which aimed to raise the profile of the Whiskey Run Trails, in 2023. Whiskey Run is the most popular mountain biking trail system along the Oregon Coast, drawing in influencers and enthusiasts from the broader Pacific Northwest and beyond as a result of a coordinated effort that included tourism organizations, cycling advocates, and local businesses. The Inclusivity Excellence Award is presented to an organization or region that has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting diversity and equity in Oregon’s tourism landscape, as well as fostering inclusivity and accessibility. 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 produced a welcoming and vibrant environment for all visitors, but also significantly improved the inclusion of everyone in Bend. Excellence in Hospitality Award: Jalét Farrell, Spoke’n HostelThe 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. Celebrated for her efforts to make Mitchell, Oregon, a welcoming environment for cyclists and travelers exploring the rural reaches of Eastern Oregon, Jalet Farrell of Spoke’n Hostel. Her efforts have made Spoke’n Hostel a cornerstone of hospitality, supporting both large-scale events and individual adventurers with the same fervor and warmth, making Mitchell a must-see location for those looking for authentic and heartwarming experiences. Conservation Champion Award: Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland InitiativeThe 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. The Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland Initiative, a nonprofit organization that promotes the preservation and stewardship of lands that were once owned by the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce, is praised this year by Travel Oregon. The organization pledges 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 with a focus on sustainable farming, agritourism, and combating invasive species. Jeff KohnstammThe Gene Landsmann Spirit of Warmth Award is presented to a member of the Oregon ski community ( sport/industry ) who epitomizes the power and significance 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 with a strong skiing heritage. He assumed the position of general manager and operator in 1992, continuing the legacy of his father, and grew up in Timberline Lodge. 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 played a key role in making the mountain a place where the spirit of Gemütlichkeit is not just present but is also present. Oregon Tourism Innovators AwardsThe 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 RevitalizersIn the heart of rural central Oregon, Brandie and Larry McNamee have reimagined the Antelope Market, working to revitalize the tourism industry through thoughtful and sustainable strategies. 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. In Antelope, a small town with a big heart, their innovative leadership and creative strategies are enabling positive change. Finn Johnson, Coastal Environmental AdvocateFor his first year working as the North Coast Destination Management Coordinator for the Oregon Coast Visitors Association, Finn Johnson has made significant progress in community and environmental advocacy. He was instrumental in creating and launching a travel impact calculator to assess and reduce coastal travel’s environmental footprint. His efforts to lead the North Coast Transit plan, facilitate connections for the development of EV charging infrastructure, and co-author a significant federal grant for a transportation study underline his commitment to promote sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities. Eastern Oregon| Catie Boucher, Trailblazer for Inclusive TourismCatie Boucher, the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association’s Special Projects Coordinator, has established a significant niche with her innovative leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the region’s tourism sector. Catie stands out for her earnest efforts in promoting cultural heritage and her commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. She is renowned as Eastern Oregon’s Rising Star and has fought fervently to make Eastern Oregon a welcoming place for everyone. She has fueled the development of Travel Oregon’s Accessibility Learning Community by actively participating in and leading discussions about tourism accessibility. Mt. Kent Krumpschmidt, the pioneer of accessible transit, shines as a beacon of service and dedication in the Columbia River Gorge. He was named a Rising Star for the Columbia River Gorge area in honor of his efforts. In 2021, Kent created the Sasquatch Shuttle as a warm, car-free option for exploring the historic Columbia River Highway, drawing on his previous experiences as a former Multnomah County Sheriff. Kent, a well-known member of the CGTA Gorge Car Free Action team, contributed to the development of a comprehensive guide to the Waterfall Corridor that was designed for people with mobility challenges and those who use wheelchairs. In the Portland region, Shatrine Krake, the Director of Business Development and Resources at the Business Recovery Center for Lake Oswego + West Linn, excels. Her support for the diverse tapestry of small businesses is demonstrated by her philosophy of collective strength and unity. collaborating with industry partners in tourism like Mt. Hood Territory, Shatrine has made the Wander Willamette website more accessible by adding features that highlight businesses owned by underrepresented groups, developing inclusive marketing platforms like holiday and dining passports, and actively promoting local businesses. Southern Oregon | Megan Pugh, Visionary for the Illinois Valley’s Tourism RenaissanceMegan Pugh is the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director, and under her leadership, the region’s tourism and community fabric have been revitalized. Megan, a force behind the Destination Ready and Downtown initiatives, 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. Jessy Fabrizio – Stover, Rising Talent in Tourism and DevelopmentWillamette Valley | Jessy Fabrizio – Stover, Rising Talent in Tourism and DevelopmentJessy Fabrizio – Stover has quickly advanced, showcasing exceptional commitment and skill in the tourism sector. Her enthusiasm for new challenges and her ability to succeed in projects that advance the association’s objectives, particularly in global sales and destination development, has helped her become a notable up-and-comer in the field of tourism. Local artist Kris Kirkman created the award-winning awards for 2023 by using recycled and locally sourced materials in each piece, instilling a sense of the local environment and community spirit in his creations, making a tangible connection to Oregon’s rich landscape and heritage. 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