Page 40 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County

CHAPTER 3: THE WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM SECTOR

Beaverton farmers Market. Photo courtesy of Washington County Visitiors Association

• Increased awareness of local agricultural These benefits, of course, must be balanced and
products available to visitors from the weighed against potential challenges to rural farm-
Portland region and elsewhere, that attracts land protections. See Challenges and Opportunities
increased spending in rural areas. section, page 57.

• Increased long-term appreciation and Overall Tourism Travel Impact in 2014
respect for farming value and heritage, and Total travel impacts for all tourism sectors, includ-
the importance of maintaining agricultural ing average spending and volume estimates for
land uses, especially for urban residents who overnight visitors traveling to Washington County,
may not be aware of the nature and scope of are provided by The Dean Runyan Report, which is a
modern farm operations.
key source of statistics for Travel Oregon and many
• Stimulus to upgrade farm living and working tourism programs statewide.
areas, as well as leisure facilities. Increased
rural tourism activities can stimulate Dean Runyan’s research revealed information about

investment in rural facilities such as parks, current conditions, trends and recommendations in
natural areas and roadways (for safety if not Oregon and in Washington County.
capacity), and other facilities.
• Opportunities for farm families, especially at-

tracting new and younger farmers, to acquire
managerial skill and entrepreneurial spirit.
Encouraging a new generation of farmers
to go into the business, given the age of the
current generation of farmers, is key to the
long term viability of agriculture throughout
the entire Willamette Valley.
Chef puts the finishing touches on a dessert served at a farm dinner.
Photo courtesy of Mary Stewart
36 WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY