Page 73 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County
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CHAPTER 3: THE WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM SECTOR
• Regarding rural dining, most interviewees felt • Most interviewees indicated that prospective
that state and County laws could allow smaller and current rural tourism providers, profes-
wineries and boutique estate tasting rooms sional tourism development staff, and regu-
to offer small plate dining like large wineries lators alike, need to better understand and
can. Most felt that visitors to small wineries consistently communicate information about
should be able to eat something more land uses allowed under the law, success
substantial than hors d'oeuvres, especially for factors, and best practices in rural tourism
safety. One tourism development professional development/operation. Some felt that, at
who was interviewed noted their opinion times, advice given by professional tourism
that Washington County competes with development staff and regulators is incorrect
Yamhill County for the wine sector. Some or confusing, causing discouragement and/or
also suggested that the number of wineries inaction.
in Washington County is decreasing, while There was the perception that some rural
the winery count in Yamhill County is much tourism providers were looking at offer-
higher and growing. Allowing expanded dining ing new events and activities in the hopes
options at smaller wineries in Washington that regulations would soon be enacted that
County could increase their ability to compete would allow the full implementation of their
both in terms of visitor draw and wine sales, rural tourism operations. Some mentioned
and potentially encourage longer stays and how “rural services” that they can provide
visits to other nearby attractions. seem appropriate to them and hold poten-
tial for success. All agreed that landowners
need affordable permits for operation of rural
tourism activities as well as affordable fees
to build structures such as farm stands to
market products. Most interviewees would
like to see the County embrace rural tourism
enterprises and ask, “How can I make this
work for you?” One interviewee said, “I don’t
know who to approach at the County. There
could be one person who walks you through
the process.”
• All interviewees considered rural tourism
to be an important driver of the tourism
economy in Washington County, and
most encouraged County, state, and other
regulators to support its development.
WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY 69
