If there’s one thing Aussies and Kiwis can relate to its beer, so when Travel Oregon announced the focus of their trade mission for 2016 was to bring craft beer producers Downunder, travel agent attendance interest spiked.
Bridgeport Brewing and Hopworks, two breweries and their Brewmasters from Portland, Oregon will join Travel Oregon, Travel Portland, Jupiter Hotel, Mt. Hood Territory, Tualatin Valley, the Oregon Coast, Brewvana and Ninkasi on an August trade mission that will showcase Oregon beer and food pairings in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland. The mission is a way for these Oregon partners to say “cheers” to the agents for all the business.
Participating in the trade mission is the Chair of the Board for US Travel and current CEO of Travel Oregon, Todd Davidson.
Commenting on the mission Davidson, said tourism generates around $10.8 billion for the region’s economy and both the Australia and New Zealand markets are vital to that.
“I’m looking forward to joining the host of Oregon tourism partners on thanking the travel trade and media for all the support we have seen to sustain our growth.”
Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon CEO
Craft beer is a flourishing industry in Oregon valued at $4.49 billion USD creating over 31,000 jobs in the state. Nearly two million barrels of Oregon’s craft beer were produced in 2015 and 37,500 barrels were exported.
Oregon breweries are a major contributor to tourism growth with 206 brewing companies operating 246 brewing facilities in 72 cities across the state. Many beer-centric companies offer walking, bike, or bus tours within the city as well as in rural areas.
Brewvana, a beer touring company attending the sales mission, offers all-inclusive tours departing daily from Portland. Brewvana guests are treated to beer journals and tasting guides, as-well as a souvenir Pilsner glasses and pretzel necklaces.
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