About Travel Lane County

Travel Lane County serves as Lane County’s destination marketing organization, presenting the region as Eugene, Cascades & Coast.

About Us

Established in 1980, Travel Lane County is a private, non-profit 501(c)6 corporation. The organization markets Lane County as Eugene, Cascades & Coast and receives funding from member and partner support, along with transient lodging tax generated by lodging facilities and campgrounds.

Its mission is to increase overnight visitation in support of a vibrant, year-round countywide economy. Working alongside business, civic, government and community groups—including more than 500 members—Travel Lane County offers visitors broad services and resources designed to support a quality experience throughout Lane County.

Travel Lane County staff and members are dedicated to delivering the Oregon experience to both residents and visitors. The organization understands that the industry is strongest when guests return and share positive experiences with family and friends, inspiring them to visit the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region. Member organizations are encouraged to print and prominently display the Member Commitment to Quality for employees and visitors.

Members gain access to distinctive individual and collective advertising and marketing opportunities, with targeted visibility among visitors to the area.

The organization includes an experienced management team with long-standing industry careers; a 30-member board of regional business leaders who contribute their time and insight; welcoming, professional front-line personnel at the visitor center and through mobile outreach; and an enthusiastic network of volunteers and interns supporting the organization’s work.

Our Team

Travel Lane County’s destination marketing professionals bring decades of industry knowledge, forward-looking thinking, adaptable capabilities and strong relationship-building skills. Visitor information is available through the visitor center.

Travel Lane County Highlights

• Publishes the region’s number one Official Visitor Guide as well as a popular Visitor Map.
• Operates a comprehensive regional website at www.EugeneCascadesCoast.org and makes competitive use of multimedia and social networking.
• Oversees the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center.
• Reaches convention and meeting planners in national and international markets to attract event business.
• Supports and coordinates the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission in attracting and promoting sporting events throughout the region.
• Offers members distinctive advertising and networking opportunities at affordable costs.
• Conducts market research, gathers industry information, and shares trends and opportunities with members and partners.
• Takes part in numerous local business and community boards and associations, spanning areas such as sports, RVs and the arts.

Employment

Travel Lane County describes its team as enthusiastic, dedicated, professional and lots of fun. The organization seeks friendly, skilled job applicants.

Brand Strategy & Resources

The Eugene, Cascades & Coast brand strategy was created to highlight the destination’s strongest tourism assets.

Board of Directors

Travel Lane County’s governing board includes representatives from a range of businesses, community organizations and government entities.

Mission

Grow overnight visitors for a vibrant, year-round countywide economy.

Why

Travel Lane County’s work motivates people to experience and value Lane County, generating opportunities, a sense of place and stronger communities.

Vision

Travel Lane County aims to be a recognized leader in delivering year-round economic growth across the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region through innovative destination marketing, product development and exceptional visitor experiences.

Promise

The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region offers Oregon’s greatest variety of adventures in easy to reach, uncrowded places.

Leadership Contact

Samara Phelps

President and CEO

Email: Samara@EugeneCascadesCoast.org
Phone: 541.743.8750

Originally from Eugene and a University of Oregon graduate, Samara started her tourism career with Travel Lane County in 2007 as Visitor Services Coordinator. She later became Director of Visitor Services and then Director of Stakeholder Relations. In 2015, she moved to Clackamas County Tourism, where she was named Executive Director of Clackamas County Tourism in 2019, promoting the Mount Hood Territory region.

Samara holds a VisitAble Disability Inclusion Certificate and completed both the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy and the Chinook Institute for Civic Leadership. She has been active in her community and serves as the President of Nearby Nature.