A sustainable future for Oregon
Sustainable travel is on the agenda in Oregon with the recent establishment of the Oregon Travel Philanthropy Fund.
The statewide program is the first of its kind and funds raised will be used to improve the environment, support local culture and enrich the destination for future visitors.
The fund supports one project from each of Oregon’s seven tourism regions, including the creation of the Mosier Plateau Trail, a sustainable non-motorised trail with direct access to the community of Mosier; support of the Sustainable Seafood Initiative; and in Portland, the Living Highways Project will plant and maintain over 5,000 trees along I-205, as part of the Greenspace Initiative.
Kevin Gorman, Executive Director of the Friends of the Columbia Gorge, says, “The Oregon Travel Philanthropy Fund is helping us create a European-type trekking experience that allows people to love the Columbia Gorge without loving it to death”.
Sustainable Travel International, together with Travel Oregon, will donate more than $14,000 to particular projects within the OTPF program.
Kristin Dahl, Senior Manager of Destination Development at Travel Oregon says, “We chose to donate to projects that represent some of the best work being done to steward the environment, build community and showcase the food and culture that make Oregon a great destination”.
“We’re thrilled with the engagement of tourism businesses and travellers across the state of Oregon so far,” says Jeremy Sampson, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications at Sustainable Travel International, and co-manager of the OTPF.
“Giving back is a fundamental tenet of sustainable tourism, and programs like the OTPF provide an easy model for businesses to implement and a compelling story to tell,” he said.
“We are optimistic the program will continue to grow at an exponential rate, providing more funds for tourism infrastructure in Oregon’s communities.”
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