With an annual economic impact of $6 billion, tourism is one of the state's key industries, says the OTC, and to ensure the health and viability of the industry moving forward, the Commission is consulting with business partners, community leaders, tourism organizations, and state and national officials to develop a short-term "Tourism Industry Crisis Response" plan. It will address the tragic events and recent changes in the industry, as well as any appropriate changes in statewide marketing efforts.

The Oregon Tourism Commission is an independent arm of the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. It directs the state's tourism marketing and development efforts. The commission has a staff of nine and a $6.4 million biennial budget funded by lottery revenues.

The crisis response plan, set to be released by mid-October, will be available online at http://www.traveloregon.com/response and through the Oregon Tourism Commission office in Salem, 503.986.0000.

"It is our goal to provide positive support for our state and industry in this time of recovery," says Oregon Tourism Commission Chair David Zielke. "By proactively creating a plan that clearly defines the Commission's strategic response to this unprecedented situation, we hope to alleviate uncertainty and set an action plan focused on today's realities and hope for the future. Tourism is a key industry in the continued social and economic health of our great state, and we want to do everything we can to help keep it that way."

Local experts say hotel occupancies, among many other things, have been hit hard by the terrorist attacks just as they were beginning to recover from overbuilding in the past few years. Ed Dundon of The Dundon Co., a brokerage house that specializes in hotel deals, is in the process of compiling a semi-annual report on the status of the hotel industry locally. GlobeSt.com will report his findings as soon as they are available.

Instant Insights /

Oregon Tourism Commission Examining Local Fallout

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