We’re just weeks away from the start of summer 2021 and the beginning of the road trip season.
If you’re searching for an ideal destination for your next road trip, why not visit Oregon?
With millions of American’s now vaccinated, and scores of businesses reopening across Oregon, summer 2021 will be an ideal time to visit Oregon because most businesses that were shut during the pandemic are reopening as restrictions are easing across the state.
Besides the Oregon Coast, Portland, Crater Lake and the other iconic travel destinations across Oregon, Central Oregon is also preparing for a big travel season.
Why Visit Central Oregon?
Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, there’s a lot of great reasons to travel to Central Oregon in 2021, especially when you consider that Central OR doesn’t shut down and there’s a lot of things to do in the area all year long.
From mountain biking, hiking, camping, fishing, to skiing and snowboarding, Central Oregon has something to offer everyone.
Local Hotels Area Already Booked
Already resorts and hotels are filling up as travelers plan their summer travel. Most of these travelers are coming by car, according to the Automobile Association of America. There is pent-up demand, AAA says, for road trips, either to get away or simply to see loved ones.
But the picture is not all rosy for businesses seeking to re-staff after a year of closures and reopening. There’s a labor shortage in the hospitality industry, and businesses are juggling their needs against the flip-flopping government requirements to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus as Deschutes County moves from one risk level to another.
On Friday, Deschutes County moved from moderate to high risk, which limits the number of people indoors to 25% capacity.
Still, Bend is among the more popular driving destinations in Oregon, Marie Dodds, AAA director of Government and Public Affairs, said in an email. Travel will be spurred on, too, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent announcement that fully vaccinated people can visit others who are fully vaccinated without a mask or maintaining a 6-foot distance.
“Members of the AAA Oregon/Idaho are making plans to take family road trips, and we’re also seeing a return to the skies as air travel rebounds,” Dodds said. “Others are planning bucket-list trips. And many just want to travel to see loved ones and friends they haven’t been able to see during the pandemic.”
Central Oregon is perfect for a physically distanced get away with its hiking, mountain biking, and water sports, said Tony DeBone, Deschutes County Commission chairman.
With about 500 accommodations to book, the Sunriver Resort says there’s been a noticeable uptick in booking inquiries from family travelers. Summer traditionally is the busiest time of the year for the resort; numerous activities had to be halted early in the pandemic.
“While summer is looking to be very busy we are seeing much shorter-term demand at this time,” said Lindsay Borkowski, Sunriver Resort director of sales and marketing. “We believe that this will continue through summer as our guests are anxious to travel again.”
With more money in the pockets of travelers, more people will hit the roads, said Damon Runberg, Oregon Employment Department regional economist. This is particularly acute now when more vaccines are being rolled out to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, making people feel more comfortable traveling.
“Travel spending is a popular form of discretionary spending,” Runberg said. “Travel and tourism destinations that can be reached by car and provide more dispersed forms of recreation will likely be more attractive to many this summer.”
Make Summer 2021 Your Best Ever
It’s hard to believe that summer 2021 is a few weeks away, right? Before visiting Central Oregon this summer, don’t forget to hit the road in our latest Oregon gear by clicking here.