Local businesses and communities have earned an extra boost last year from Oregon’s tourism economy.

This week, Travel Oregon announced that Oregon’s travel economy reached new heights in most categories throughout 2022. 

According to Travel Oregon, the Oregon Tourism Commission, statewide tourism drives economic growth, creates job opportunities and stimulates business activity.

Todd Davidson is the CEO of Travel Oregon.

“Tourism is critical to the strength of Oregon’s economy and essential to the growth of other industries across the state,” Davidson said. “Together, Travel Oregon and the state’s seven regions are dedicated to driving positive economic impacts for the people and communities that call Oregon home while nurturing destinations throughout the state, stewarding the natural environment and celebrating the diversity of Oregon’s communities and cultures.”

According to Travel Oregon, Oregon’s tourism industry increased direct travel spending by 26.5% year over year — from $10.9 billion in 2021 to $13.9 billion in 2022. This alone created 16,450 jobs directly, according to Travel Oregon, in an industry that has a total of 117,360 jobs — which equals a 16.3% increase year over year.

“Our collective efforts are creating a stronger, more equitable, and future-ready Oregon economy where all visitors feel safe, respected and inspired as they travel throughout our beautiful state,” Davidson said.

Travel Oregon found local governments collected $45 million in travel activity taxes in 2022 — an increase of 21.2%.

Waged paid out to Oregon employees in the tourism industries increased by 23.9% from 2021 to 2022, to a total of $821 million.

Travel Oregon found about 60% of visitor spending was from out-of-state, while 36% was from Oregonians, and about 5% came from international travelers.