Visit Central Oregon

Visit Central Oregon is now accepting applications for the Central Oregon Future Fund, a grant program that supports tourism-related projects that benefit both residents and visitors and leave a lasting positive impact on the region. $450,000?in funding is available. The application window will be open through February 16. Learn more and apply ?? https://lnkd.in/gpfAYHy5

Join us March 3rd from 4pm-6pm to welcome Zavier Borja to his new role at Visit Bend. Come and grow your professional network and enjoy the views offered at The Haven Co-Working space.

Celebrating a Year of Collaboration & Impact: Over the past year, Visit Central Oregon partnered with?Travel Oregon?to lead the?Central Oregon Destination Management Studio (CODMS)—a collaborative effort to shape the future of sustainable tourism in our region. Together, we hosted: ??6 workshops?across Central Oregon ??6 regional steering committee meetings ??15+ internal core team meetings ??100+ project ideas?generated by community stakeholders After months of discussion, refinement, and collaboration, we’ve identified?3 priority projects focused on arts, culture and heritage, high-use outdoor recreation, and dark sky awareness. As an outcome of the CODMS,?our renewed alignment will foster a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive tourism economy. This work wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our local partners, industry leaders, and community members who brought their passion, insights, and creativity to the table. Thank you to everyone who participated, shared their expertise, and helped shape this process. Your commitment to Central Oregon’s future makes all the difference. Stay tuned as we continue this journey—there’s more to come! Explore Sisters Explore Prineville Visit Bend SOUTH WASCO ALLIANCE

I was honored to speak on the "Oregon's Quest for Accessibility" panel at the Oregon Destination Association Annual Conference alongside Dan Haag, Arturo Gaona, and Matthew Landkamer. A heartfelt thank-you to ODA for the opportunity to share insights from Central Oregon and the incredible partnerships that make accessibility work possible. Accessibility in tourism isn’t just a project—it’s a mindset. Through collaboration, we’ve been able to make meaningful strides toward creating an inclusive destination. Collaboration remains our greatest tool. By working with state & local DMOs, nonprofits, land managers, and businesses, we’ve learned that leveraging resources and continuous learning are key to success. Together, we’re creating a region where everyone can explore, connect, and thrive. Accessibility enriches lives—both for visitors and residents—by fostering equity, economic growth, and unforgettable experiences. Visit Central Oregon

Brandie McNamee has deep roots in Oregon's Antelope Valley, where she lives with her family on a fifth-generation cattle ranch. When the town of Antelope's only cafe closed in 2017, the town (population: 39) lost the bedrock of its social fabric. After speaking with leaders in Oregon's tourism industry, Brandie realized Antelope has a lot to offer visitors, including incredibly dark, starry skies and world-class cycling—and there were resources available from Visit Central Oregon, Travel Oregon and Cycle Oregon that could not only help her reopen the cafe, but bring a new vision for Antelope and its rural economy to life. Thank you, Brandie, for chatting with us about the meaningful work you're doing in central Oregon. You're an inspiration to us all.

Applications for the 2025 Central Oregon Future Fund are now open! The online application opens today, January 6th, 2025, and closes on February 14th, 2025. There is $280,000 of funding available this cycle. Learn more and apply here:?https://lnkd.in/gBzweB9t Visit Central Oregon and Rural Prosperity Partners will also be holding their second informational webinar this week, on Wednesday, January 8th at noon PST. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gZMEbscn

Visit Central Oregon is proud to launch the third cycle of the Central Oregon Future Fund, an annual grant program designed to reinvest Transient Room Tax (TRT) dollars generated by overnight visitors back into the region. $280,000 of funding is available this cycle. This initiative aims to support projects that create positive, long-term impacts for both residents and visitors while fostering a thriving tourism economy.? ? The online application opens on January 6, 2025, and closes on February 14, 2025. ? There will be two upcoming opportunities?to join for an informational webinar: December 12, 2024 at 9 AM PST -?Register here ?? https://lnkd.in/gxV6sr3W January 8, 2025 at noon PST -?Register here ?? https://lnkd.in/gbGYjbHJ? Please direct inquiries to?[email protected].

We are celebrating the community of?Antelope in South Wasco county, which has officially been designated as an?International Dark Sky Community?by DarkSky International, making it the first designated Dark Sky Community in Oregon. This recognition highlights the community’s dedicated work to preserve the beauty of our night skies, protect natural environments, and enhance opportunities for us all to connect with the wonder of space. Becoming a Dark Sky Community takes incredible diligence, collaboration, and vision—and Antelope’s efforts set a shining example for sustainable stewardship. This milestone not only benefits the environment and wildlife but also invites visitors and locals to experience the unmatched magic of Central Oregon’s night skies. Congratulations to Brandie McNamee, CPA and the Antelope community! ?? Learn more about the designation: https://lnkd.in/gfEPvWG4

Last week, Visit Central Oregon proudly hosted a booth on behalf of Deschutes County at the?Association of Oregon Counties "Wander Oregon" event in Eugene, a highlight of the AOC Annual Conference. The spotlight? Talented students from the?American Culinary Federation Apprenticeship Program at Sunriver Resort, who earned their place by competing against one another in a black box cooking competition, prepared seasonal, local dishes that wowed attendees and celebrated our region’s flavors. A big thanks to Deschutes County, the ACF Apprenticeship Program, and everyone who visited our booth!

In collaboration with Travel Oregon and a local steering committee, Visit Central Oregon is excited to invite you to the upcoming Central Oregon Destination Management Studio (CODMS) workshops on November 20th and 21st, focusing on high-use and rural recreation. Facilitated by Travel Oregon alongside C2 Recreation, these interactive sessions will explore strategies for managing high-use and rural outdoor areas, preserving natural spaces, and examining the role of tourism. Attendees will gain practical insights into balancing local and visitor needs with resource capacity, supporting community benefits, and contributing direct feedback on key priorities. For details and registration, please visit this link: https://lnkd.in/gf8MvtzU