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VISITOR GUIDE LISTINGS UPDATES
The WCVA has started to prepare for the production of its 2012 Visitor Guide. A request for proposal was submitted earlier this month, and a vendor will be selected in the coming weeks. We are excited to announce that there will be some changes to the visitor guide, which will offer travelers a more comprehensive travel planning tool. In the meantime, we are asking for your help.
If you have any significant changes to your visitor guide and/or website listing, please contact Allison George at 503-644-5555 or via e-mail. |
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PHOTOGRAPHY LICENSING
Did you know that the WCVA licenses many of its images in its image library for the promotion of tourism?
If you need images to promote a tourism-related event, meeting, package or other activity that supports the WCVA's mission of attracting out-of-area visitors to Washington County, simply read and complete the Visual Media Loan Request, attach copies of the images you'd like to use, and send to:
sylke@wcva.org. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY |
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These are just a handful of the many events happening in Washington County. For a complete list, visit the Event Calendar.
SAVE THE DATE
The WCVA will be hosting a holiday party Wednesday, December 14, 4-6 p.m., and you're invited!
Save the date for this festive event. Invitations will be distributed via e-mail in the coming weeks.
STAKEHOLDER RESOURCES
The WCVA offers stakeholders a plethora of resources with valuable tourism and industry-related information, from research, statistics and reports
to press materials, image library, sponsorship opportunities and more. Our
industry site provides timely and relevant information for all segments of our industry. |
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SEARCH FOR PRESIDENT/CEO BEGINS
 The WCVA's Board of Directors has contracted with
Horizon Hospitality, a recruitment firm specializing in the hospitality industry, to conduct a nationwide search for the organization's next president and chief executive officer.
Any interested candidates should contact Dave Nolan with Horizon Hospitality for more information about the position and/or to submit a resume.
See details about the President/CEO position (PDF).
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FIRST QUARTER REPORT CARD
The WCVA is charged with marketing Oregon's Washington County to the traveling public and travel influencers, in an effort to attract new and repeat visitors to our destination. We accomplish this in various ways, including advertising, public relations, online marketing and sales efforts.
Our first quarter results are in! So, how did we do? Read the first quarter results.
HOTEL OCCUPANCY CONTINUES TO GROW
Washington County's tourism industry is continuing its upward climb, according to results from the Smith Travel Report, which provides hotel occupancy statistics. Year-to-date figures, as of September 30, 2011, show the occupancy rate in Washington County climbed to 68.3 percent, a 4.9-percent increase over the same period in 2010. The average daily room rate (ADR) also is increasing over last year, with average rates hovering near $84, compared to nearly $78 last year.
The average occupancy rate in Oregon is 60.4 percent, with the average daily room rate at around $91. How does Washington County stack up against other destinations in its competitive set? Only Multnomah County has a higher occupancy rate (68.8 percent), and Washington County has a competitive average daily rate, especially as Multnomah County's ADR is now more than $102.
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FALL AD CAMPAIGN TO HELP BOOST OFF-SEASON TRAVEL
 As outlined in the
2011-2013 Strategic Marketing Plan
, and in an effort to attract more visitors during the "off-seasons," we started developing advertisements that tout the bounties of each season -- from birding and wildflowers in the spring and u-pick farms and farmers' markets in the summer, to harvest events in the fall and holiday shopping in the winter. With the addition of an in-house designer, Christopher Glawe, we were able to not only create ads that were season-specific, but we could tailor each ad to the publication. As a result, our ads allowed us greater flexibility than ever before, as well as the ability to reach potential visitors with messages that we hope will inspire
them to visit Oregon's Washington County. Watch a slideshow of the WCVA's Fall 2011 Ad Campaign.
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ATTENTION LODGING STAKEHOLDERS
 New "Hot Deals" Promote Lodging Packages
We are proud to unveil a new section of the WCVA's website, Hot Deals and Discounts, which touts lodging packages--ranging from arts, culture and entertainment packages to wine tasting. This new format will allow travelers to book packages based on interest and links will lead them directly to the hotel or stakeholder offering the package.
Save the Date: Sales Meeting
The WCVA will be hosting a breakfast Sales Meeting for its lodging partners, Wednesday, November 30 (time and location to be announced). Hear from the WCVA's sales, marketing and stakeholder development staff and learn how the WCVA helps drive business to your properties. This informative meeting will cover topics such as the WCVA's new initiatives, the importance of collecting data from visitors and more. Please keep an eye out for your invitation, which will hit e-mail inboxes soon.
Attract More International Business: Exclusive Webinar
The WCVA is offering a complimentary webinar for lodging stakeholders on how to attract more international visitors, Wednesday, November 16, 10-11 a.m. (PST). Hear from Scott Hartcorn, from Shilo Inns, about how to leverage this important market, and how Washington County's hotels may have the opportunity to benefit from this lucrative market.
Learn more and register for this webinar.
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