The Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA)

The Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA)

The Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA)

Project Number: 2022-KA220-VET-89ACFE12

Best Practices

The Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA)

United States

(Non European countries)

The Willamette Valley in Oregon, home to over 700 wineries, is a centre for regenerative and sustainable practises promoted by the Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA). Working with partners, WVVA strives to attract visitors to discover the richness of the region. Visitors can immerse themselves in the region’s agricultural culture on the seven self-guided “Food Trails” and “Farm Loops” that lead to farms, markets, restaurants, breweries and wineries. Visitors can also visit the “Valley Markets” throughout the year, which offer indoor farmers’ markets with fresh food, artisans and chefs. Food and wine lovers can enjoy tastings, guided tours and special hiking trails. WVVA, a non-profit destination marketing organisation, plays a critical role in promoting tourism and contributes to the economic prosperity of the region by supporting local businesses and generating revenue. WVVA provides resources, support and collaborative initiatives and actively participates in community development. The Willamette Valley serves as a sustainable tourism model that promotes economic growth and community well-being through diverse and regenerative experiences.

Benefits

The Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA) plays a critical role in promoting regenerative benefits for the Willamette Valley. By promoting sustainable tourism practises, WVVA helps protect the environment and encourages respectful stewardship of nature. The organisation’s focus on tourism also leads to economic development by generating revenue for local businesses and creating jobs that improve the overall quality of life in the region. In addition, WVVA places great emphasis on community involvement and works closely with local communities to preserve cultural heritage and instil a sense of pride and cooperation. In summary, WVVA’s multi-faceted approach is creating a resilient and sustainable future for the Willamette Valley that enriches both the environment and the lives of its residents.

Key Success

The Willamette Valley receives over three million visitors annually, and this number has been steadily increasing over the years. The success factors contributing to this influx of visitors include wine tourism and food tourism experiences, among others.

For instance, the region is home to over seven-hundred wineries, making it a popular destination for wine lovers from around the world. Visitors can take tours, taste different varieties of wine, and learn about the winemaking process. Moreover, the region is also known for its farm-to-table dining experiences, with many restaurants sourcing their ingredients from local farms.

“The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein”

Project Number: 2022-KA220-VET-89ACFE12