Oregon is pitching itself as being home to a ‘high density’ of bucket list experiences that are easily accessible, and a great add-on for Kiwis already heading to California and Washington State.
Oregon’s geography is its primary draw, says Travel Oregon’s trade director for AUNZ Joanne Motta, with landscapes that remain largely pristine and accessible.
This includes Crater Lake National Park, which is known for America’s deepest lake scenic, driving, hiking, and photography, as well as Haystack Rock Located on Cannon Beach, which is recommended for those keen on birdwatching with Motta saying it’s home to tufted puffins.
Agents can also recommend Mount Hood, famous for the historic Timberline Lodge and for offering summer skiing and extensive hiking trails.
And with dark sky tourism on the rise, she says it’s worth mentioning that Cave Junction is on track to become an officially certified Dark Sky Community, with Oregon Caves National Monument to become a Dark Sky Park and Antelope Basecamp a Dark Sky certified property.
Motta says the state also has a pioneering craft food and drink culture with its wine country, particularly the Willamette Valley, which is globally recognised.
For clients looking for value, Motta says the city has ‘high-value accommodation and attractions’ and adds there’s no sales tax in Oregon.
The state also prides itself on being the first state to earn Accessibility Verified status in the US, offering a host of travel experiences for people with visible and non-visible disabilities, adds Motta.
Global platform The State of OR highlights how travellers can experience ‘high-end urban culture and rugged wilderness in the same afternoon’ in Oregon, which is a personal upsell.
“You aren’t just booking a Portland hotel room, you’re booking a City to-Coast or Vineyard-to-Volcano experience and then the itinerary is expanding from arriving into California off a New Zealand flight to a full Pacific Northwest experience.”
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