City of Bend issues new order discouraging tourist travel

'Highly discourages' stays at Bend hotels, short-term rentals

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As directed earlier this week in a 4-3 city council vote, the city of Bend on Friday issued an administrative order discouraging travel to Bend that will last through Sept. 7.

City Manager Eric King issued the order at the direction of City Council, which was given as the result of discussions during Wednesday night's council meeting.

The order, similar to one imposed earlier this year, "is intended to help limit the spread of COVID-19 in the Bend community," the city stated.

Under the new order:

• Travel to Bend for recreational, discretionary, or vacation purposes is strongly discouraged and should be avoided through these critical summer months.
• All stays in Bend at hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, RV parks, short term rentals, and all other temporary lodging facilities that have not commenced as of the effective date of this order are highly discouraged, unless for reasons of health, safety, or employment, or other permitted essential travel.
• As of the date of this Order, operators of temporary lodging facilities are strongly requested to refrain from booking any new reservations for tourist or vacation accommodation, and only book reservations needed for health, safety, or employment or other permitted essential travel.

The city said the order does not apply to reservations for stays longer than 30 days or residential stays of any length for people without permanent homes who are staying at a lodging facility through a voucher or other program.

As part of council direction, the order will be shared with Visit Bend, the local tourism promotion agency.

The order goes into effect immediately and will be ratified by the council at its next meeting. Read the full administrative order here.