THE DALLES — The city might have to diversify its transportation services if it wants to become a more welcoming destination for tourists, according to longtime resident, entrepreneur and community volunteer Corliss Marsh.
An office manager at Columbia Gorge Habitat for Humanity, Marsh provided comments about the city’s hospitality — and lack thereof — towards cruise visitors during The Dalles City Council meeting on July 13.
Marsh began with a personal anecdote that triggered her appearance: While downtown, near the post office on July 10, she stumbled upon a disembarked elderly couple requesting directions to Walgreens. Understanding they’d never make it there on foot, Marsh elected to shuttle them herself. On another occasion, she transported visitors to urgent care and the hospital.
“We need to have more options for these people,” Marsh said, pointing to the city’s “hit and miss” Uber and taxi services and unreliable fixed-route, fixed-schedule buses. “Cruise directors don’t know what to do but give them a map.”
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a locally-funded shore agent closely coordinated with cruise staff, solved on-the-ground problems, and even helped channel surplus ship supplies to The Dalles Community Meals; that role no longer exists.
Marsh proposed solutions such as giving ships a local contact (e.g., The Dalles Chamber of Commerce), maintaining a list of willing local drivers to dispatch for rides, ensuring taxis are present shortly after docking, and reinstating greeters now that the Floozies & Friends group has retired.
“Nothing is better than a personal welcome,” she said. “Tourism is not getting the people here, but treating them right when they are here.”
Councilor Dan Richardson asked City Manager Matthew Klebes to raise the topic with the new Chamber of Commerce director, suggesting it could fit within the city’s tourism contract.
Klebes acknowledged there is “quite a bit to unpack,” including the history of prior arrangements, the current chamber contract, and private transport options, but said it is now “on the radar” as something staff will explore.
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