‘Tourism Studio’ moves to Stevenson, focuses on Gorge cultural heritage

The program is a series of tourism development workshops designed to assist communities interested in stimulating their local economies through sustainable tourism development, while protecting and enhancing local resources.

The next event is “Cultural Heritage Tourism: Evening Networking Event” at Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center in Stevenson, Feb. 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. followed by a full day workshop Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The workshop’s goal is to “determine the best strategies for celebrating, sharing and preserving the region’s cultural heritage through tourism,” according to Travel Oregon.

The studio heads to Cascade Locks next month for “Adventure Travel and Outdoor Recreation” on March 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. followed by a full day workshop March 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will learn about key tourism projects in the area related to this sector and work collaboratively to design strategies and business opportunities for making an adventure travel mecca even better.

The studio started in January with a summit in Hood River attended by more than 200 people, and followed up with a session on culinary tourism in The Dalles Feb. 3-4.

The studio wraps up in April with Tourism Marketing and Communications, April 5 in White Salmon and a “Community Tourism Kickoff” event in Hood River April 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. Participants share their vision of tourism for the region with the community and celebrate completion.

To maximize the impact from the Gorge Tourism Studio program, it’s recommended that participants attend all workshops and events.

Participants who attend at least four of the 10 workshops or events will receive a certificate of completion from Travel Oregon.

The cost to participate in any one workshop is $10 (includes lunch). The Gorge Tourism Summit and all evening networking events are free.

Space is limited and is specifically designed for residents, businesses and organizations operating in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and surrounding communities.

As a result of the program, Travel Oregon and the program organizers hope to see an increase in bi-state collaboration to shape the future of a growing tourism economy in the Columbia River Gorge.

For more information on the program, visit Industry.TravelOregon.com/Gorge.

If you have questions or would like to register, contact Casey Roeder, Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association, at casey@skamania. org or 509-427-8911.

For general inquiries about the program, contact Elena Vizzini, Destination Development Coordinator, at Travel Oregon, at 971-717-6204 or Elena@TravelOregon.com.