The following is shared from Business Oregon:

We just wrapped up a beautiful summer. Tourism is on the rise. Let’s talk about it.

Oregon’s Strongest Summer Travel Season in Years

According to airport deplanement data, Oregon just experienced its strongest summer travel season in years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Oregon has seen a steady recovery in air travel. In July 2025, Portland International Airport recorded nearly 941,000 passenger deplanements, up 13% from the same month in 2024. Regional airports are also thriving. Medford Airport saw 57,588 deplanements in July 2025—its highest monthly total in six years, surpassing both August 2024 (50,123) and August 2019 (54,071). And Oregon isn’t alone in this trend. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Boise Airport have also surpassed pre-pandemic deplanement levels, exemplifying a regional recovery in tourism.

Tourism’s Economic Impact

Tourism is more than just travel—it’s a major economic driver. In 2024, Oregon welcomed $14.3 billion in direct travel spending, a 1.1% increase and new record. According to Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson:

“The tourism industry plays an incredibly important role in Oregon’s economy, and as we know from our recovery post-pandemic, it’s critical this industry remain resilient and adaptable. Tourism connects people, uplifts communities, creates jobs and positively impacts the everyday lives of Oregonians.”

While the full 2025 picture won’t be available until the annual Economic Impact of Travel Report is released, early indicators suggest a strong and growing tourism economy. As of August 2025, visitor spending increased 7.8% compared to August 2024, with the highest credit card activity in Central, Southern, and Portland regions, according to TravelStats (Dean Runyan Associates).
That includes fan-favorite destinations like:
  • High Desert Museum and Smith Rock State Park (Central Oregon).
  • Crater Lake National Park and the Oregon Caves National Monument (Southern Oregon).
  • Portland Japanese Garden and Powell’s City of Books (Portland).

Leisure and Hospitality Employment on the Rise

Jobs in accommodations, food and beverage services, and arts, entertainment, and recreation are on the rise in Oregon. In August 2025, the leisure and hospitality sector added over 4,000 jobs compared to the same month in 2024. Just a year earlier, this sector was among the few in Oregon facing job losses, with employment down 4.7% in 2024—more than 19,000 jobs lost. The recent rebound highlights the sector’s resilience and its growing importance in Oregon’s economic recovery.
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