Oregon Tourism Commission Launches New Travel Magazine

Posted on February 22, 2002

In a move to bolster tourism and increase awareness of the beauty and attractions of Oregon, the Oregon Tourism Commission (OTC) has unveiled a new magazine designed to promote travel to and within the state. Called Travel Oregon, the four-color glossy represents the first time OTC has blended a travel guide with the look and feel of a contemporary lifestyle magazine.

The new magazine includes a combination of feature stories on popular Oregon offerings, special interest sections, a calendar of events, and suggested trip itineraries. The premier 128-page "Spring/Summer" issue includes feature stories on Oregon's lush public gardens, paddling the wild Rogue River, exploring eastern Oregon, golfing hotspots, suggested three-day getaways, and the state's bountiful farms and orchards, including recipes to try at home. The magazine represents a significant departure from the travel guide format previously used by the commission, which included mostly facts and figures, offering no feature articles or seasonal focus. Unlike the previous travel guide, which was updated every other year, Travel Oregon will be published twice a year and feature new, seasonal stories in each issue.

The publication is free and can be ordered online at traveloregon.com or picked up at state welcome centers, visitors' centers and select locations. Published by MediAmerica Inc., the second issue will debut in mid-August and include new feature stories tied to fall and winter travel in Oregon.

"The new publication represents a major shift in the way the state presents travel information to potential visitors," said Tori Benson, publication director and communications manager for OTC. "The traditional travel guide is basically a book of lists: names of places, hotels, restaurants and attractions. Travel Oregon takes an entirely different approach. It grabs the reader's imagination and takes them on a trip to some of Oregon's special places."

Writers and photographers living in Oregon developed the features after venturing out to explore some of the state's great places. Contributors include Susan Hauser, freelance writer for the New York Times and Sunset; Ketzel Levine, "Doyenne of Dirt" commentator on National Public Radio; and noted food writer and cookbook author Janie Hibler.