Central Oregon tourism remains strong despite higher gas prices

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon continues to rank among the top holiday weekend destinations in the region, bringing substantial economic activity to local businesses. Over the last fiscal year, visitor spending in the city of Bend reached $408 million.

Tourism serves as a major revenue generator for communities throughout Central Oregon. In addition to direct business spending, municipal governments rely heavily on lodging taxes paid by overnight visitors to fund public services and community amenities.

Tim Neville, lead storyteller for Visit Bend, provided context on the overall scale of traveler spending in the city. “It's about $408 million. So, I mean, to put that into perspective, if you were to go buy Yeti coolers, it would stack to 250 miles into space. So 50 miles higher than the space station. It's a lot of money,” Neville said.

Bend wrapped up its fiscal year earlier this summer with $15.2 million in lodging tax collections. Neville explained how those revenues directly support city infrastructure and services. “We wrapped up our fiscal year earlier this summer with a record $15.2 million in lodging tax collections. Remember, that's outside money paid by visitors coming into our community that the city can use for police, fire, roads, as well as, you know, helps us put on fun events throughout the fall, gives us improved trailheads, things like that that we get to enjoy year round,” Neville said.

Gas prices in Central Oregon currently average $4.86 per gallon. Marie Dodds, director of government and public affairs for AAA, said higher fuel costs usually lead travelers to adjust their spending rather than cancel their plans. “Usually if people have planned a trip and then gas prices spike right before that trip, they'll still go, but they'll look at making cutbacks in other areas,” Dodds said. “Maybe they will look for a free activities instead of paying admission prices in places. Maybe they'll look at shortening their trip by a day or two. Maybe they'll look at camping instead of staying at a fancy resort.”

Despite an extreme fire season across the region, tourism was only slightly impacted overall. Smoke caused air quality concerns on just three days during the season. While expectations indicate a softer Labor Day weekend, tourism officials still anticipate a major weekend for visitor activity.