Oregon's Visitors Give Back to Local Communities through Innovative Travel Philanthropy Program

15/02/2016 13:40

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 2012, visitors to Oregon contributed more than $90,000 to enhance communities across the state through an innovative philanthropy program created by Travel Oregon and Sustainable Travel International. Funds are directed to projects throughout Oregon that improve the environment, support local culture and enrich the destination through the Travel Oregon Forever Fund.

The Travel Oregon Forever Fund is the first statewide program of its kind. The goal of the program is to improve experiences for visitors and locals by connecting them to participating businesses that directly improve and enhance Oregon communities.

"Travel Oregon not only strives to create economic impact and meaningful jobs in every corner of the state, but we also want to preserve and enhance this beautiful place we call home," said Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon CEO. "The projects we support improve local economies, build community, and showcase the culture that makes Oregon a premier destination for visitors and Oregonians alike."

Travel Oregon Forever Fund dollars support one project from each of Oregon's seven tourism regions. Beneficiaries of the 2016-2017 Travel Oregon Forever Fund are: Elkton Community Education Center; Joseph Branch Trail Consortium; Oregon Wine Country Electric Vehicle Byway Alliance; Redfish Rocks Community Team; Sandy River Basin Watershed Council; Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce; and SOLVE. Learn more about these worthy projects.

"Today's travelers are increasingly interested in engaging and connecting with the places and causes they care about," said Brian Mullis, CEO & Founder of Sustainable Travel International. "The Travel Oregon Forever Fund allows visitors to leave behind a legacy in this beloved destination. The projects they support will develop and enrich the destination experience for residents and visitors alike, both now and in the future."

See the complete list of businesses giving back to Oregon through the Travel Oregon Forever Fund. For more information on how to participate in the Fund, contact Harry Dalgaard at Harry@TravelOregon.com.

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. The commission improves Oregonians' quality of life by strengthening economic impacts of the state's $10.3 billion tourism industry that employs more than 101,000 Oregonians. TravelOregon.com

Sustainable Travel International
Sustainable Travel International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works toward improving lives and protecting places through travel and tourism. For 13 years, Sustainable Travel International has been developing, testing, and sharing cutting edge methodologies, solutions and knowledge to drive greater sustainability in destinations. Governments, companies, NGOs and communities worldwide are uniting and using these solutions to achieve the right balance between economic and sustainable development, and protection of their natural, cultural and heritage assets.Visit us at http://sustainabletravel.org to learn more.

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