Oregon’s travel and tourism sectors are among the hardest hit by the measures taken to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Now, the agency that promotes the industry is offering grants meant to keep some struggling businesses afloat.
Normally, Travel Oregon promotes the state using ad campaigns on television and social media.
But with many iconic Oregon destinations off-limits due to COVID-19, companies that cater to out-of-town visitors have struggled. People who work at hotels and restaurants makeup the highest category of unemployment claims filed since mid-March.
Travel Oregon is offering grants meant to bolster the industry. $800,000 will be divided up among small hotels, tour guides and outfitters, and other businesses that support the tourism industry. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 15.
The grants come as Travel Oregon itself is struggling. The Oregonian reports the agency is laying off 17 of its 64 employees due to a downturn in revenues.