Wyden to Visit All of Oregon’s Seven Wonders in Seven Days
Senator teaming with Travel Oregon to ask businesses about how to grow the state’s recreation and tourism economy
Portland, OR – U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden joined with Travel Oregon officials on Monday to kick off his weeklong tour of the state’s 7 Wonders, spotlighting the huge economic role each natural icon plays in creating recreation and tourism jobs throughout Oregon.
Wyden’s news conference with Travel Oregon and U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer was at KEEN, one of the many Oregon businesses that benefits from the economic spinoffs of the state’s recreation economy.
Wyden’s trip through Fourth of July weekend highlights how each of those scenic landmarks benefits our state’s recreation and tourism economy. In addition, Wyden and Travel Oregon officials will hear from local businesses benefiting from each of the 7 Wonders about their best ideas to build on the recreation economy.
“I want to hear directly from Oregon’s recreation-related businesses – outfitters, grocery stores, restaurants and brewpubs, hotels and motels, and shops – what they think should be done to build on the strengths of our thriving recreation economy,” Wyden said.
“We are blessed in Oregon with so many natural advantages in every corner of our state that it’s essential both to preserve those precious landmarks and to tap their limitless economic potential,” Wyden said. “We know full well in our state that Oregon and the 7 Wonders are synonymous with great recreation.”
Visits to Oregon's "7 Wonders" -- the Oregon Coast, Smith Rock, Crater Lake, Mount Hood, the Painted Hills, the Wallowas and the Columbia Gorge -- contributed to a record-breaking year for tourism's economic impact and job numbers in Oregon.
"Travel and tourism in Oregon generates $10.3 billion for the state's economy and directly employs more than 101,000 Oregonians," said Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon CEO. "Our 7 Wonders campaign is a way to highlight Oregon's exceptional outdoor recreation product while positively impacting the state's economy and job numbers. We are thrilled to participate in Senator Wyden's 7 Wonders tour of Oregon and look forward to hearing from our industry partners about how to further enhance outdoor recreation in the state."
At each of the 7 Wonders, Wyden and Travel Oregon officials have invited local businesses benefiting from the recreation and tourism economy to share their success stories and to provide their ideas for how to build on that economy in the years ahead.
“From cities, to rivers, to mountains and beaches, Oregon has it all. Places like the 7 wonders of Oregon provide balance to our life in the city, giving us space to clear our minds and have adventures,’’ said KEEN President Steve Meineke. “They help infuse rugged adventure into the KEEN DNA, influencing our hybrid product designs and business practices. We invite KEEN fans around the world to come experience the 7 Wonders of Oregon themselves. “
You may follow along on social media using #7WondersOregon.
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