Annual Report FY26

COMMUNITY CONNECTION + INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP THE PURPOSE

OVERVIEW Tourism does not happen in isolation. A thriving visitor economy depends on strong relationships, open communication, and a shared commitment to the community we call home. As the region’s destination marketing organization, Visit Portland serves as a connector, bringing together businesses, residents, community leaders, elected officials, and industry partners to foster collaboration and ensure tourism benefits both visitors and those who live and work here. Because our team members are residents, neighbors, volunteers, and community advocates, we understand that the success of our destination is directly tied to the quality of life in our community. Throughout the year, we create opportunities for dialogue, learning, and partnership through industry events, community conversations, board service, volunteer initiatives, and educational programs. This commitment is reflected in our work. We convened more than 250 tourism and community leaders at our Annual Destination Summit, hosted 15-20 networking and educational events throughout the year, participated in 16 community conversations and speaking engagements, attended nearly 20 community events, and served on 14 local, regional, and national boards and committees. Our team also invested in professional development by attending industry conferences to stay informed on emerging trends and best practices. Beyond our tourism work, we supported community initiatives including a relief drive for Jamaican hospitality workers and a neighborhood park cleanup effort. At its core, this work is about connection. By building relationships, sharing knowledge, and actively participating in the life of our community, we help ensure that Greater Portland remains a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

To strengthen Greater Portland’s tourism ecosystem by serving as a trusted convener, connector, and advocate for the community. Through collaboration, education, and engagement, we work to ensure that tourism supports local businesses, enriches residents’ quality of life, and contributes to the long-term vitality of the region. OUR STRATEGY Our strategy is to foster meaningful connections between tourism stakeholders, community leaders, residents, and industry partners. We accomplish this by hosting educational and networking events, participating in community conversations, serving on boards and committees, investing in professional development, and supporting local initiatives. By maintaining a strong presence in the community and staying informed on emerging trends, we help align tourism efforts with community priorities while creating opportunities for collaboration and shared success.

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