CB-NB-Charleston VCB release - Travel and tourism industry partners gathered for the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Wednesday Business Connection at The Mill Casino * Hotel's Salmon Room for a complimentary luncheon sponsored by the Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB), aka Oregon's Adventure Coast! Featured speakers included Todd Davidson, CEO, Travel Oregon, and Janice Langlinais, Executive Director of the VCB. Lucinda DiNovo, VCB Chair as well as outgoing Chair of the Oregon Tourism Commission introduced our keynote speaker. Janice began the lunch by illustrating how every business and every resident in our three communities benefits from the local tourism industry. In 2024, visitors to Coos Bay, North Bend & Charleston spent more than $147.3 million on overnight accommodations, dining out, attractions and experiences, shopping and more. Janice also shared two major projects the VCB is currently invested in - a multi-faceted advertising campaign in the Denver market promoting the daily direct flight to the Oregon Coast (DEN to OTH) and the accessible projects that have been in development over the past few years. Todd shared the economic impact of tourism for the State of Oregon over the last two decades as well as the most recent data for 2024. Travel in Oregon generated $14.3 Billion in visitor spending in 2024. This industry employs more than 121,000 Oregonians. Todd also noted that 95% of visitors to Oregon report coming for the natural, scenic beauty and relaxation. After Lunch, attendees were invited to attend a premier showing of three short films at the Egyptian Theatre. The film premier showcased accessibility projects all along the Oregon coast. Industry leaders also shared about the success of these projects and discussed future projects already in the works.