Steelhead fishing on an Oregon
river // (c) Travel Oregon
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As online video grows in popularity as a research tool for potential travelers, Travel Oregon has launched a new travel series not only on television but on the Internet.
The series — called Grant’s Getaways — features outdoor journalist Grant McOmie in various Oregon destinations as he explores sustainable tourism options. The shows are aimed at Pacific Northwest travelers seeking budget-friendly trip ideas like fishing, urban hiking, surfing, geocaching, whale watching, kayaking and whitewater rafting. Throughout the series of 24 two-minute travel segments, McOmie encourages viewers to tread lightly to preserve Oregon’s scenic beauty, heritage and culture.
“Northwesterners have easy access to world-class experiences throughout Oregon,” said Travel Oregon head Todd Davidson. “As budget-conscious travelers seek vacations close to home, we felt the timing was perfect to develop videos that showcase local destinations. Grant will encourage travelers to get out and recharge with unique Oregon adventures. We’re delighted to collaborate with him, NewsChannel 8 and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to bring the Oregon experience to viewers throughout our region.”
“This show exemplifies the core of our interactive marketing effort, which is to engage consumers and provide them with inspiration, information and tools to plan their Oregon trip,” said Travel Oregon interactive marketing manager Mo Sherifdeen. “Providing Grant’s Getaways video on our Web site will be a powerful way to convey the Oregon experience to consumers and convince them to travel here.”
Online video is an increasingly important tool for travelers. According to the marketing research company ComScore, U.S. Internet users viewed 12.7 billion online videos in November 2008, up more than 33 percent from 2007. The market research firm PhoCusWright reported that 81 percent of travel seekers use videos and photos to influence their trip decisions.
McOmie is a Pacific Northwest broadcast journalist, teacher and author who writes and produces stories and special programs about the people, places, outdoor activities and environmental issues of the Pacific Northwest.
The stories will air as part of KGW NewsChannel 8’s newscasts Fridays at noon and Saturday mornings through June, and on the regional cable channel Northwest Cable News. Each segment is also available to view on www.TravelOregon.com and www.kgw.com.
