The 35-day 2026 Session of the Oregon Legislature starting on February 2nd could have long-lasting impacts on Oregon’s tourism industry - its funding, statewide focus, and our ability to defend against liability lawsuits. Travel Salem is hosting a Legislative Briefing to bring industry partners together to learn about the issues we are facing and best practices for effective advocacy in the 2026 Oregon Legislature on matters that directly impact tourism in Oregon.

Please join us for an industry briefing featuring Greg Leo, Travel Salem Board Vice Chair, longtime Capitol lobbyist, and owner of the Leo Company, and Greg Astley, Director of Government Affairs for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA). Together they will outline key legislative proposals and discuss how tourism stakeholders can effectively engage with policymakers before and during the session to protect our industry’s vital contributions to state and local economies.

Key Legislative Issues for 2026 Legislative Session

Lodging Tax Diversion
A proposed change would allow cities to redirect more lodging tax revenues away from destination marketing and toward general government services, undermining the core funding that drives visitor spending, job creation, and economic growth across Oregon. We support preserving the statutory protections that ensure lodging tax revenues continue to strengthen the visitor economy.

State Lodging Tax Increase
A proposal to raise the statewide lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.75% without dedicating the additional revenue to visitor infrastructure or tourism promotion would make Oregon less competitive in attracting major conferences, group meetings, sporting events and leisure travelers. We support ensuring that any lodging tax increase includes a clear and direct reinvestment in the visitor economy.

Recreation Liability Reform
Without reforms to Oregon’s recreation liability laws, operators face increasing litigation, escalating insurance costs, and an uncertain future. These pressures reduce access to outdoor recreation opportunities, one of Oregon’s strongest visitor draws, and disproportionately impact rural communities. We support modernizing liability protections so recreation providers can continue offering safe, accessible outdoor experiences.

Seating is limited. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Sara Germann by Friday, January 2nd.