| Press Release |
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| October 10, 2006 |
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Governor creates task force to promote tourism, improve transportation
Executive Order bolsters competitiveness of state’s tourism industry
Salem, Oregon —Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski issued an executive order today that creates a state Tourism and Transportation Task Force, which will coordinate efforts to improve transportation and strengthen tourism in Oregon.
"Oregon’s tourism industry adds more than $7.0 billion to our state’s economy each year," the Governor said. "This task force will find ways to strengthen transportation and tourism throughout Oregon. It’s critically important that we keep this part of our state’s economy strong, because tourism helps create jobs and opportunities for Oregonians."
The Governor noted that Oregon has experienced a marked increase in travel and tourism in recent years, thanks to state investment to upgrade transportation, promote tourism and the addition of more international flights into and out of Oregon. Most recently, a new direct Northwest flight between Portland and Tokyo, together with a direct Lufthansa flight between Portland and Frankurt, have brought a resurgence of business travel and tourism to Oregon, the Governor said. State investments of $2.5 billion to improve roads and bridges, and $100 million under "ConnectOregon" to upgrade airports, rail facilities, mass transit and ports, have made travel more efficient and safer, the Governor added.
Executive Order 06-14 creates the new task force, and gives it the job of integrating transportation and tourism efforts around the state. The Oregon Travel Information Council will administer the Tourism and Transportation Task Force Task Force.
Objectives of the task force including:
- Creation of a Lane County Travel Plaza (travel center with enhanced services, adjacent to I-5) with the focus of the Federal Oasis program
- Creation of a Siskiyou Rest Area/Welcome Plaza on the I-5 Californian border
- Improved signage for Oregon Scenic Byways
- Coordinated map production and technologies
Oregon’s travel and tourism sector provides more than 130,000 jobs, with employee earnings of $3.0 billion a year. State officials expect total direct travel spending in Oregon is estimated to reach $7.4 billion in 2005, representing a 7.1-percent increase over the preceding year, according to Travel Oregon. This represents the greatest annual increase since 2000-2001, and the second consecutive year of growth of more than 6.0 percent.
"Our state offers travelers abundant natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and excellent vacation destinations—from Brookings to Ontario and on both sides of the Cascades," said Todd Davidson of Travel Oregon. "This task force will work to further strengthen how our transportation infrastructure can help our tourism economy."
An electronic copy of the executive order is available upon request.
Media Contacts:
Lonn Hoklin: 503.378.6169
Charlie Burr: 503.378.6496
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