Travel Lane County Annual Report

The Lane County Board of Commissioners received Travel Lane County’s annual report, presented by President & CEO Samara Phelps — almost exactly one year after she began her leadership of the organization. Watch the September 23, 2025 Board of County Commissioners meeting to learn more. The presentation begins at 43 minutes 30 seconds.

As a key, traded-sector contributor to the regional economy, our hospitality industry supports one in nine Lane County jobs and saw more than 3.4 million overnight visitors in 2024. These visitors, along with two to three million daily visitors, spent over $1.1 billion and generated $53 million in state and local taxes. 

With some softening in the commercial lodging sector, transient lodging taxes are expected to be down slightly when fourth-quarter receipts are received in October. With convention facilities reopening at Valley River Inn and bookings picking up, there is optimism that FY26 convention activity will grow and build upon the strong track and field seasons that have contributed significantly to the local economy in recent years.  

Travel Lane County operates under a three-year rolling grant agreement with Lane County. At the close of the presentation, Ms. Phelps formally requested a one-year extension of the agreement. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the accomplishments of FY25 and indicated they will consider the extension at a future meeting.

Visitor Center Opens in the Alley

After a soft launch on September 19, the Travel Lane County Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center is now open seven days a week in the 5th Street Market Alley. 

Join us on Wednesday, October 8, at 12 p.m., for the official ribbon-cutting. The Eugene Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors will be on hand to officially cut the ribbon and celebrate our new location. 

Oregon Becomes First Accessibility Verified State 

Wheel the World is a travel platform that has partnered with Oregon and 43 of its communities, meaning a significant percentage of the state’s hotels, activities, transportation and restaurants have been reviewed and verified by accessible community travelers. These listings include detailed accessibility information and photos to help travelers plan their trip to Oregon with confidence. In fact, Oregon is the first Accessibility Verified state in the U.S., and Travel Lane County invites travelers of all mobilities to enjoy its outdoor splendor, culinary bounty and exciting cultural experiences. Consider taking an accessible road trip around the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region. 

Wheel the World, is a leading travel platform designed to make global travel accessible for all. With over 5,000 verified accessible hotels, activities, and experiences, it allows travelers with disabilities to discover, plan, and book inclusive trips with confidence. Listings include detailed, trustworthy accessibility information— real photos, key measurements, and features — so users know what to expect. Backed by a global community of 180,000+, Wheel the World ensures travel is possible for everyone. 

Disability Inclusion Training Coming in October

VisitAble  offers disability inclusion training for organizations that want to be the best at serving their customers and guests. This video training is offered online and in bite-sized vignettes that make it easy to work through at work or home. Travel Lane County is excited to be partnering with VisitAble to offer this training to our Members beginning this fall! Be on the lookout for information on how your business and staff can take advantage of this training to help make Lane County an even more welcoming region! 

Accessible Tourism Ambassador Training 

Join us for the Accessible Tourism Ambassador Training on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Springfield. This free, full-day program offers hands-on learning, real-world accessibility strategies, and networking with industry leaders. Participants will receive a guidebook, certificate of completion, and practical tools to advance inclusive tourism in Oregon. Space is limited — register today!

Cottage Grove Sets World Record 

Led by the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, downtown Cottage Grove sparkled as hundreds turned out for a Guinness World Record attempt. With 375 people gold panning at the same time, the community shattered the previous record of 268, which was held by Evolution Mining in West Wyalong, Australia and set in October 2023. Check out the Cottage Grove Sentinel article and this video to see what made the day so memorable. Watch for information on a summer 2027 event where the community will set its sights on another record - the world’s largest toga party -  celebrating the 50th anniversary of Animal House and its unforgettable parade scene filmed in Cottage Grove’s historic district.

Oregon Destination Association Honored

The Oregon Destination Association (ODA) was recognized by the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association as the 2025 Allied Member of the Year. ODA is a Statewide network of regional and local Destination Organizations (DMO | RDMO) leaders who share a common interest in the vision and vitality of Oregon’s travel industry. Samara Phelps, Travel Lane County President/CEO, chairs the ODA Board of Directors. 

Strategic Investment Fund 

The Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA) is now accepting applications for its Strategic Investment Fund. WVVA continues to invest in destination marketing, development, and events by supporting influencer familiarization trips, off-season campaigns, and new marketing assets. Efforts also include enhancing accessibility, strengthening trails, and advancing organizational capacity, while providing bid support, sponsorships, and scholarships to grow meetings, events, and sports tourism across the region. Applicants may request $5k to $50k to support their project or $1k to $3k to support their meeting/event sponsorship. View the guidelines and apply by using the pitch form. Project pitch forms may be submitted between October 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Funds will be awarded throughout the period and until all available funds are allocated. 

Recreation Ready Application Window Opens

Travel Oregon's Recreation Ready Program provides training, technical assistance and funding to support outdoor recreation experiences. Funds awarded in this program cycle must contribute to the development and improvement of Oregon communities by enhancing and expanding the visitor industry. Guidelines and the application are available now and applicants must file a letter of intent between October 1 and 30. 

An informational webinar will be held on October 7, 2025, at 12 p.m. to provide an overview of the program, the application process and answer questions. Pre-registration is required. 

LTD State of the District 

Join Lane Transit District, community partners, and business leaders for the second annual State of the District on Tuesday, October 7, 5–7 p.m. at the University of Oregon Ford Alumni Center. Sign up today.