Greg Eckhart at the International Media Marketplace in Sydney recently Greg Eckhart at the International Media Marketplace in Sydney recently

Oregon: guides to the fore

The state of Oregon is continuing to gain traction with its Why Guides? campaign and is encouraging travel agents to book local, export ready guiding companies when building an itinerary for their clients.

‘If people use a guide they tend to behave and respect the environment, but at the same time they are supporting a small local business,’ says Greg Eckhart, director global sales at Oregon Tourism Commission.

‘The campaign has been successful and international travellers in particular seem receptive.’

He says clients gain extra insights into a destination when they travel with a guide, extending beyond the tour itself.

‘A local guide can tell people where the best bars are, what are some of the good shops in the area – it’s inside knowledge that visitors can’t get from their phone.’

He says guided tours in Oregon are many and varied.

‘Adventures Without Limits offer kayaking, hiking and many other activities to people regardless of the ability or access. Wine de Roads helps people cycle at a leisurely pace between tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley, Hells Canyon Adventures offers jet boating, white water rafting and fishing in eastern Oregon. These are only a few if the options available.’

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