Columbia River Gorge, The Dalles, OR – Sept 19, 2018 — Businesses, individuals, community leaders and organizations with interest in Columbia River Gorge tourism are invited to the Columbia River Gorge Tourism Summit hosted by Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance on October 29 and 30 in The Dalles, Oregon.
“We know there is power in traveling to new places. Every visitor is changed through exposure to the varied experiences that make the Gorge unique,” said Renee Tkach, CGTA president. “For those who endeavor to make this happen, we know that we cannot do it alone. As tourism partners, each of you helps to increase visits to the Gorge, boosting the positive economic impact across our region. Collectively, we create a regional economic driver and we enhance the visitor experience and quality of life for residents.”
The Gorge Tourism Summit will work to enhance this initiative and inspire further collaborative efforts. “It’s an opportunity for recreation and hospitality professionals, public agencies, local non-profits and elected city and county leadership to gather and talk about opportunities and challenges in collaboratively managing and developing the tourism economy in the Gorge,” Tkach said.
The summit will begin with an happy hour open house for participants on Monday, October 29th at 5:30 at Sunshine Mill in The Dalles. The summit is 8 a.m – 5 p.m on Tuesday October 30th at Fort Dalles Readiness Center in The Dalles. Cost of the event is $35 for existing CGTA members and $50 for non-members. Pre-registration is required by October 23.
Picking up on themes developed at Travel Oregon’s 2016 Gorge Tourism Studio, which initiated this collaborative project, CGTA will offer opportunities to learn, network and partner with other industry professionals and tourism experts. Various topics offered will range from regional agritourism and craft beverage tourism, the power of Networks, new public art installations and the Washington Tourism Alliance’s new state funding.
“There will also be networking breaks and small group sessions to identify challenges and opportunities the Gorge is facing, with opportunities to carry these ideas forward into action,” said Tkach.
“CGTA is committed to developing the region as a world-class sustainable tourism destination. We are passionate about protecting and enhancing the scenic, natural, cultural and recreational resources found here. we’re looking forward to gathering with others who are working towards the same.” Tkach concluded.
Event sponsors include Travel Oregon, Balch Hotel, Rooted Event Co., The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Gorge Community College. Additional event sponsor and vendor opportunities are available. For more details and to register go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-gorge-tourism-summit-tickets-50292735927.
For more details about the Summit or CGTA partnership, contact Lauren Kolojejchick-Kotch at lauren.cgta@gmail.com.
