[OregonArts] Travel Oregon Awards Grants for Local Tourism Development

[D'Arcy, Christine T]

Travel Oregon Awards $60,000 for Local Tourism Development

Salem, Ore. - Sept. 24, 2010
The Oregon Tourism Commission has announced $60,000 through its Matching Grants Program to advance 10 tourism development projects across the state. Created in 1986, the annual program supports new projects that improve local economies and communities by enhancing, expanding and promoting Oregon's visitor industry.

"The grant dollars provide seed money to projects that will increase Oregon destinations' visibility among potential visitors." said Carole Astley, Industry Relations Manager at Travel Oregon. "The 10 applicants we selected are thinking about long term return-on-investment for developing and promoting tourism in the regional areas their organizations serve."

The Matching Grants Program selection committee, representing private and public sector organizations, selected this year's grant finalists from a pool of 29 applicants. The 10 commission-approved projects are located throughout the state and, when complete, will fulfill a range of local, regional and state needs for improved tourism capacity.  Several represent the cultural sector:

* Lane County Community and Economic Development Department, to develop a Scenic Byway/Bikeway Management Plan for the Territorial Heritage Tour.

* Travel Salem, to produce an interactive online map that will feature Marion and Polk County cultural and heritage assets.

*University of Oregon - Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, to conduct research within the Asia Market that includes significant travel related components with Asian students and scholars at the University of Oregon.

* Medford Jazz Festival, to increase marketing efforts of the festival's swing dance component through multiple online channels and television.

The 2011-12 Matching Grants Program cycle begins in June. Communities, visitor associations and tourism-related organizations are invited to apply for funding.  More information: http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tourism-Development/Matching-Grants-Program.aspx.  Or contact Michelle Woodard at
MichelleW at TravelOregon.com<mailto:MichelleW at TravelOregon.com>.

About Travel Oregon
 The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors' experience by providing information resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. By strengthening economic impacts of the state's $7.7 billion tourism industry, the commission aims to improve Oregonians' quality of life. Visit www.TravelOregon.com<http://www.TravelOregon.com> for details.



Chris D'Arcy
Christine D'Arcy
Executive Director
Oregon Arts Commission - Oregon Cultural Trust
775 Summer Street NE
Salem, Oregon 97301-1280
(503) 986-0087 direct
christine.t.darcy at state.or.us

Give the gift that grows. Contribute to any Oregon Cultural Nonprofit.
Match your gift with one to the Oregon Cultural Trust - and qualify for a generous tax credit.
Learn more or give at www.culturaltrust.org.


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