Monday, May 20, 2024 Travel Oregon celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week, announcing that 2023 travel industry employment rebounded to pre-pandemic levels with record visitor spending of $14 billion. The Oregon Tourism Commission, operating as Travel Oregon, is celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) by announcing that Oregon’s travel industry employment has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Additionally, employee earnings have seen a notable increase, and visitor spending has reached a record $14 billion, invigorating communities, fostering connections, and supporting industries throughout the state.
This year’s NTTW, observed from May 19-25, recognizes the critical role travel plays in driving economic growth, nurturing vibrant communities, generating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses, and enhancing the quality of life for Americans daily. According to an economic impact report by Dean Runyan Associates, released by Travel Oregon, the travel and tourism sector added 2,180 new jobs in 2023, bringing total employment in the industry back to 118,500. This marks a recovery from the pandemic-induced loss of 25,000 jobs in travel and hospitality across the state.
Industry earnings, which include wages and proprietor income in the tourism sector, rose to $4.5 billion, reflecting a 6.9% increase from the previous year.
Visitor spending on travel in 2023 reached an unprecedented $14 billion, marking a 0.6% increase from the previous ye.
