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TownePlace Suites Cuts the Ribbon
Although the TownePlace Suites by Marriott has been welcoming guests since last fall, the owners and management team recently held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate Eugene's first new hotel in over five years. General Manager Erik Roy shared that the hotel is nearly fully staffed and running smoothly. Owners Bakulesh and Arvind Patel looked proud as guests enjoyed live music and hors d'oeuvres. The event was coordinated by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, with a special appearance by the University of Oregon Duck.
The hotel offers a variety of accessible features, including mobility accessible rooms with roll in showers. Pets are welcome, a large fitness center and a free breakfast buffet are just some of the ways guests will experience a great stay here in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region.
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Keep Accessibility Top of Mind
As the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region works toward becoming Oregon's most accessible destination, it’s essential for our hospitality businesses to prioritize accessibility in all facility upgrades and routine maintenance. While our region has earned recognition for investments in accessible infrastructure—most notably the installation of hearing loop technology—there is still important work ahead, especially in improving accessible hotel accommodations. Learn more about the impacts of hearing loss and what we can do to bring great experiences to all visitors by viewing Shari Eberts' documentary We Hear You | Now Hear Us. Shari visited Eugene recently and shared her documentary in a public showing at The Shedd Institute for the Arts.
To support this effort, we've partnered with Wheel the World, the leading online travel platform for accessible travel, to complete accessibility assessments of 17 local hospitality businesses. This information will soon be available on the Wheel the World website, providing travelers with accurate, up-to-date accessibility details for hotels, activities, and restaurants across our region.
Lodging properties should incorporate thoughtful, inclusive design elements such as wider doorways, automatic entry and room doors, lowered surfaces, roll-in showers with grab bars, and both visual and audible fire alarms. Going beyond compliance with these features not only meets standards—it reflects a genuine commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming experience for all guests.
By integrating accessibility into every stage of facility planning and upgrades, our hospitality industry can help position the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region as a leader in inclusive travel.
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Legislative Update
A big thank you to our hospitality partners and Chamber of Commerce partners for stepping up to represent the hospitality industry's opposition to several transient lodging tax bills.
- HB3556, which would have changed the definition of how lodging tax funds can be spent, did not move from committee before the April deadline. However, HB3962 was created as a priority bill to "study local taxes." This bill has been referred to the House Committee on Revenue (Representative Nathanson chairs this committee) and it's likely the language from HB3556 will find its way into HB3962 through a "gut and stuff" process. This means the fight isn't over and we will likely need additional testimony opposing HB3962.
- HB2977, a bill that would increase the state lodging tax rate to fund habitat enhancement through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, is still active and efforts to keep this bill from moving to the floor are in full swing.
- SB179 makes permanent the changes to landowner immunity and is supported by Travel Lane County. This bill had a hearing in late April and is anticipated to pass out of the House Committee on Judiciary.
- SB551 prohibits restaurants and retailers from providing reusable plastic checkout bags to consumers. This bill is in Representative Lively's committee and has had a hearing and at this point it looks like it will pass.
Several other bills impacting hospitality businesses are still under consideration in legislative committees. We're fortunate to have strong representation in Salem through the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Oregon Destination Association. If you have questions or are interested in getting involved—such as by providing testimony—reach out to Andy Vobora, VP of Stakeholder Relations at Travel Lane County.
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May is Bike Month
Now’s the perfect time to gear up for a full month of bike-friendly fun. Schedule a spring tune-up at Bicycle Way of Life , or one of our other amazing local bike shops, and start marking your calendar with this year’s exciting Bike Month events and rides. Don't have a bike? Cascadia Mobility has you covered. They operate the PeaceHealth Rides Bikeshare, so sign up and ride to all of the fun May bike events! Find the full (and growing) list of all-ages rides and events at WeBikeLane.org—new happenings are added every week!
A few favorites and new highlights, include the Kick-Off Party at Oakshire Brewing (5/1), First Friday ArtWalk & Ride to Reggae (5/2), Filmed by Bike Film Festival (5/16), Better Ways Block Party (5/18), and the Bike Month Finale (5/30). Don't miss Breakfast at the Bike Bridges too! Check out the date and location for each event on Facebook or at the Breakfast at the Bike Bridges webpage.
The Bike Month Passport is back for 2025! This year features fresh, fun "birds on bikes" illustrations by local artist Erick Wonderly Varela. Starting May 1, pick up your passport at the Kick-Off Party or participating bike shops. Collect stickers by attending events or visiting local shops, and turn in your completed passport by the end of the month to enter the raffle and win prizes!
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Local Breweries Bring Home Hardware
Congratulations to Alesong Brewing & Blending for bringing home two medals from the Oregon Beer Awards. They received a silver medal for Oak & Ember in the barrel-aged stout category and a bronze medal in the barrel-aged beer category for Cinnamon Roll Maestro! The Oregon Beer Awards is our state’s biggest beer competition with more than 1,000 beers competing across 27 categories. Coldfire Brewing Company - Medium Brewery of the Year, gold in the Pilsner category and silvers in the Fruited Mixed Culture Beers & Mixed Culture Beers categories; Sunriver Brewing - Gold in the Hoppy Lagers and bronze in the Imperial IPA category and Classic North American Styles categories; Viking Brewing Company - Bronze in the Fruit Beer category; Oakshire Brewing - Bronze in the Flavored Beer category; McMenamins - Gold in the Barrel-Aged Beers category. Congratulations to Jamie Floyd, Ninkasi, for being named Craft Advocate of the Year.
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Hannigan Selected
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced that Bettina Hannigan, president/CEO of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, was selected to participate in a master class for members of the Business Leads Fellowship Program network. This master class is designed to equip business leaders with research, resources, and best practices to launch community-based childcare solutions. Hannigan was selected alongside 32 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders nationwide. Congratulations Bettina!
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Restaurant Responses Needed
Restaurant operator survey responses are needed by the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA). The National Restaurant Association survey will provide responses to all participants and ORLA will receive statewide results if 50 Oregon restaurants participate. All responses are anonymous. Please complete the survey before the May 31 deadline.
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Cascadia Mobility has Record Year
2024 was a milestone year for Cascadia Mobility, operator of the PeaceHealth Rides Bikeshare Program. Check out a few of the achievements:
🚲 Over 200,000 bike share rides—the highest on record!
🌍 Expanded PeaceHealth Rides into Springfield and new areas of Eugene with 100 new bikes and 70 new hubs.
🎉 Provided free bike valet and event bike parking at 46 community gatherings, making it easier than ever to ride.
Now operating in Springfield, PeaceHealth Rides makes it even easier to connect to your favorite destinations. Check out their full report to learn more about 2024 and get ready for more exciting things in 2025.
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Onward Eugene Launches Internship Program
Onward Eugene is partnering with the University of Oregon and Lane Community College to facilitate experiential learning opportunities for students. Onward has developed an online form that allows businesses to find the best match and to express interest in hosting an intern or hiring students into part-time positions.
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One Big Night
The annual One Big Night dinner and auction raises funds for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Political Action Committee (ORLAPAC). Travel Lane County is assembling a silent auction basket and members who would like to participate by donating event tickets, local product or overnight stays will support ORLA's efforts to keep our industry strong. Reach out to Meg Trendler, Meg@EugeneCascadesCoast.org, who will coordinate our Eugene, Cascades & Coast basket. Donations are due May 12. Learn more and register for the ORLAPAC One Big Night and help strengthen advocacy for public policies that sustain our industry and educate elected officials about the issues and challenges we face.
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Governor's Conference on Tourism
The Oregon Governor's Conference on Tourism celebrated its 40th anniversary by hosting more than 600 hospitality professionals from around Oregon and beyond. The conference was hosted by Travel Portland and managed by the team at Travel Oregon. Excellent keynote presentations were bolstered by strong educational breakouts and plenty of time to network with peers. Award recipients inspired attendees with their commitment to providing the Oregon experience and you should take time to view the award videos - you'll be inspired!
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Adaptive Equipment Creates Outdoor Experiences for All
The City of Eugene's Adaptive Recreation Services at Hilyard Community Center offers inclusive outdoor adventures for individuals of all abilities this spring and summer. With a variety of adaptive equipment available—such as beach and all-terrain wheelchairs, as well as adaptive bikes including trikes, recumbents, hand cycles, and tandems—participants can explore our region's parks and trails with greater independence. These programs are designed to promote health, wellness, and social connection, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. For more information on upcoming activities and equipment rentals, visit the City of Eugene's Adaptive Recreation page .
Our region also has two track chairs providing access to the surf at Heceta Beach and trails at Mount Pisgah. Use is free and reservations are managed through David's Chair.
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Accessible Film Tour
The Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA) announced The Accessible Coast Film Tour! Attend a premiere of three inspiring short films that explore the intersection of accessibility and coastal stewardship. These showings are free and open to the public, so select a link below and reserve your ticket today!
May 7 | 2–3:30 p.m. | Egyptian Theatre, Coos Bay co-hosted with Oregon's Adventure Coast
May 8 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Lincoln City Cultural Center, co-hosted with Explore Lincoln City
May 13 | 6–8 p.m. | Times Theatre, Seaside co-hosted with City of Seaside VCB
This Oregon Coast Visitors Association project is made possible by a Travel Oregon grant.
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