Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » Portland’s Unstoppable Tourism Growth: Accessibility, Vibrant Events, and Sustainability Take Center Stage at the 2026 Travel and Adventure Show Published on
January 30, 2026At the 2026 Travel and Adventure Show in Seattle, held on the second and final day of the event, Sherri Brown from Portland by Mouth Food Tours shared her insights into Portland’s growing appeal as a top tourist destination. Sherri, attending the event for the first time, discussed how Portland’s accessibility, local events, and sustainability initiatives are fueling the city’s tourism resurgence in 2026. Her perspectives at the consumer-facing travel show highlighted the factors contributing to Portland’s rise as a must-visit destination.Portland’s Accessibility: A Perfect Destination for Short GetawaysAccording to Sherri Brown, Portland is increasingly being recognized as a prime destination for weekend getaways and long weekends. Its accessibility is one of the city’s key selling points. Located close to natural attractions like the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood, Portland offers travelers the chance to explore outdoor beauty without long travel times. This proximity to nature makes it ideal for spontaneous trips, contributing to the city’s growing appeal for short stays.Advertisement Sherri shared that many of the Travel and Adventure Show attendees, particularly those with connections to Portland, expressed interest in visiting the city, which underscores how local connections and accessibility encourage repeat visits. Portland’s ability to cater to a diverse range of interests, from foodies to outdoor adventurers and festival enthusiasts, makes it a versatile destination, driving its tourism growth in 2026.Travel Portland’s Year-Round Marketing StrategyDuring the interview, Sherri also emphasized the pivotal role of Travel Portland, the city’s official tourism organization, in marketing Portland as a year-round destination. Travel Portland participates in numerous industry events, including IPW and others, where they focus on networking and promoting Portland as a food and wine hub, a winter destination, and a summer hotspot. Sherri mentioned that Travel Portland’s efforts aim to highlight the city’s hub-and-spoke model, encouraging visitors to explore the many attractions around Portland through day trips.AdvertisementTravel Portland’s multi-pronged marketing approach not only targets domestic visitors but also draws international travelers. By emphasizing Portland’s seasonal offerings and cultural experiences, the organization has successfully made the city a go-to destination for those seeking short yet rich travel experiences.Sustainability in Portland’s Tourism SectorA significant portion of the interview focused on su …
