Friday

06-20-2025 Vol 1997

Supporting Local Businesses: An Overview of Resources and Opportunities in Portland’s Tourism Economy

In an effort to bolster the local economy through tourism, Travel Portland offers a variety of tools and resources designed specifically for businesses in the area.

As Portland prepares to welcome tourists, the organization invites local businesses to actively participate in the tourism economy.

One of the first steps for business owners is to engage with the Travel Portland 101 video, which serves as an introduction to available resources and partnership opportunities.

All tourism-facing business owners are encouraged to connect with Travel Portland to join a supportive network of partners.

Partnership comes with numerous benefits and is available at no cost, making it an accessible option for businesses looking to enhance their outreach and visibility.

Current partners can log into the partner portal for additional resources and to ensure their contact information is accurate for potential referrals from Travel Portland.

One prominent opportunity for local businesses is advertising in the Portland Visitor Guide.

The 2025 edition of the guide marks its return since 2020, this time designed with portability, sustainability, and functionality at its core.

With a reach of nearly 600,000 potential visitors, the guide offers direct access to target customers ready to explore, dine, shop, and sight-see in Portland and its surrounding region.

Distribution points for the guide include visitor centers and Portland International Airport (PDX), as well as a digital presence on the Travel Portland website to maximize access.

While the ad sales for the 2025 edition are currently closed, interested advertisers can expect updates in spring 2025 for the 2026 edition, making it a strategic opportunity for businesses to engage with travelers.

For businesses looking to improve their online visibility, Travel Portland has partnered with Locl to offer a Google My Business Toolkit aimed at enhancing business profiles within mobile web searches.

This partnership also includes recommendations on utilizing Google My Business effectively, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring businesses convey accurate information to their customers.

Additionally, Travel Portland outlines its editorial practices, detailing how it selects content for articles and how local businesses can get represented on its platform, thus driving traffic to their websites.

Moreover, businesses can leverage the Near Me Now app, which highlights local businesses and events through a user-friendly, map-based interface.

Training resources are available to further empower local businesses.

The Social Media 101 training provides insights into new strategies for utilizing social media effectively, while the Sensory Accessibility and Inclusivity training addresses ways to welcome all visitors.

LOCL 101 Training also equips business owners with the knowledge to manage their listings efficiently within the platform.

Travel Portland offers a comprehensive Social Media Toolkit that includes quick tips and best practices to optimize social media posts, promoting greater visibility and engagement.

The organization encourages businesses to share content related to Portland’s neighborhoods and seasonal offerings, enhancing the collective promotion of local attractions.

Travel Portland’s ‘Here for Portland’ checklist presents ways in which businesses can demonstrate their commitment to the community and support one another.

To facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration, the Partner Portal serves as a hub where contacts can be updated and a post board allows for connection with other partners.

Additionally, Travel Portland maintains an active presence on YouTube, where businesses can access and share a steady stream of new promotional videos.

The Asset Library provided by Travel Portland is another invaluable resource, offering rights-free images of Portland that can be used in brochures and marketing materials.

The initiative ‘Portland Means Progress’ focuses on promoting diversity within the workforce.

Local businesses are encouraged to participate by hiring young professionals of color and sourcing products from minority-owned businesses, ultimately contributing to a richer and more vibrant community.

Food cart owners are also supported through dedicated tools such as the Food Cart Finder and Near Me Now app.

Portland’s street food scene thrives, and the availability of multiple food cart pods symbolizes the city’s commitment to offering diverse culinary experiences without the wait associated with traditional dining.

Businesses that provide products or services for visitors or the meetings industry are invited to explore partnership opportunities with Travel Portland.

The organization is dedicated to working collaboratively to elevate Portland’s standing as a premier tourist destination while simultaneously supporting local businesses, with the exciting prospect of partnership available at no cost.

This initiative not only enriches the local economy but also enhances the collective cultural fabric of Portland as a destination.

By actively engaging with Travel Portland, businesses can harness the power of community and innovation, ultimately contributing to a vibrant tourism landscape.

image source from:https://www.travelportland.com/about-us/partner-resources/

Benjamin Clarke