Travel Oregon Announces 2023 Travel & Tourism Industry Achievement Awards
Oregon Outback Dark Sky Network takes home the Governor’s Award for their work to certify the Oregon Outback as the world’s largest Dark Sky Sanctuary
On Monday, March 11, 2024, the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon) announced the recipients of the 2023 Oregon Travel and Tourism Industry Achievement Awards at the 2024 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Salem Convention Center. More than 500 tourism industry professionals gathered for the event to share learnings and align to ensure not only the delivery of exceptional visitor experiences, but that tourism improves quality of life for residents, advances equity, respects the diversity of ecosystems, cultures and places of Oregon and strengthens economic resilience for communities around the state. Hosted by Travel Oregon in partnership with Travel Salem and Willamette Valley Visitors Association, this year’s theme, “Stewarding Oregon’s Future,” calls upon attendees to collectively shape a sustainable visitor economy.
Southern Oregon | Megan Pugh, Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce
Megan Pugh, the Executive Director of the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce, is committed to community-building and has been instrumental in transforming the tourism economy of the Illinois Valley. A champion for both the Destination Ready and Downtown programs, Megan has led local initiatives including Main Street, local signature events and critical collaboration with the Oregon Caves & Chateau. She has successfully fostered collaboration and unity among local businesses, residents and organizations to work toward common goals. Megan’s resourcefulness has been a key driver in implementing innovative solutions for the benefit of the Illinois Valley and specifically Cave Junction through compounding crises including COVID & closures of Highway 199 with wildfires. Her ability to leverage limited resources effectively has not only enhanced the Chamber’s operations but has also created new opportunities for local businesses and individuals.