Episode 70: Using Natural Beauty as Destination Driver, with Todd Davidson

In this episode, you will learn about how Travel Oregon has helped the tourism industry in that state grow exponentially under the leadership of Todd Davidson.

Todd was appointed Executive Director of the Oregon Tourism Commission, also known as Travel Oregon, in June 1996, and was named Chief Executive Officer in September 2004.

Under Todd’s leadership, the tourism industry in Oregon has flourished into an 11.3 billion dollar industry that employs more than 109,000 Oregonians.

In 2003, he helped lead an effort to establish dedicated and stable funding for the commission. This funding has been crucial in Travel Oregon’s ability to grow the state’s tourism industry through strengthening its base on international markets, leadership and sustainable tourism initiatives, and award-winning publications, niche-oriented websites, and advertising campaigns.

Travel Oregon has garnered 20 Mercury Awards during Todd’s tenure, including two top awards for Best Overall State Marketing Program in 2010 and 2013.

He has also served two terms as National Chair of the US Travel Association, from 2015 to 2017, and continues to serve on the US Travel Association Board, on the National Council of State Tourism Directors, and the Western State’s Tourism Policy Council.

A full transcript of this episode is available here: http://destinationontheleft.com/todd-davidson/