Operators hit roads of the northwest

“A brilliant trip to a hidden gem of a state! The Oregon road rally is a great concept and really opened our eyes to what the destination has to offer – which turned out to be a lot more than we thought,” said Andrew Sullivan, Assistant Product and Commercial Manager for Travel 2 and Gold Medal.

Twenty-two tour operators from nine different countries were hosted on Travel Oregon's third 'Road Rally'. Aside from Sullivan the UK delegates on the trip were Nan Wimms, Vacations to America and Fawn Carr, Wexas Travel.

Starting in Portland, the cars headed out along the Oregon Coast to Pacific City where the group was treated to a night at the new Headlands Coastal Lodge and Spa.

From there they continued down Highway 101 and experienced the thrill of a sand dune buggy ride before ending in Coos

Bay. The following day highlights included Ashland, and the opportunity to watch a performance at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Crater Lake National Park. Next, the operators headed to Cottage Grove, Eugene and on to Salem for the overnight.

The final day took them on a scenic drive through the Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls before trying 'goat yoga' in Oregon City and finishing in Portland.

Delta Air Lines sponsored the UK delegates’ flights, to highlight its seasonal non-stop flight between Heathrow and Portland International Airport, which runs until October 26.

“The Oregon Road Rally gave those participating tour operators the time to discover and explore some of the key highlights of the state,” said Lisa Chamberlain, Director

UK, Travel Oregon.

“The format of the trip allowed them to find their own way from A to B at their own pace, with some suggested stops from us and a map so they could experience

Oregon as their clients might.”

Added Travel 2 and Gold Medal's

Sullivan: “There were stunning coastlines with dramatic scenic lookouts and sandy beaches around every turn... and huge waterfalls that literally made our jaws drop....a beautiful and inspiring place. Travel 2 & Gold Medal will be developing their Oregon product over the next year.” traveloregon.com