2024 North American Meaningful Travel Summit
Tourism Cares with the Willamette Valley
September 30 - October 2, 2024 | Eugene, Oregon
Tourism Cares’ North American Meaningful Travel Summit is a travel conference unlike any other! Join us as we inspire, educate, and activate the tourism industry by growing partnerships, building relationships, and sharing best practices in sustainable travel to better equip companies and the local communities that we serve.
The Summit is open to all travel professionals across the entire industry - from destination managers and travel advisors to senior executives and community-led organizations - all with the common purpose of building a better future for the travel industry. As part of the program, attendees will explore the Willamette Valley region and engage with local changemakers through facilitated networking opportunities, educational sessions, meaningful experiences, tours, and more.
Your participation matters! Whether you currently conduct business in the Willamette Valley region or you are just starting your sustainability journey, the education, connections, and commitments made at the program will create a lasting impact on your organization for years to come.
Are you already registered? Share with your network!
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We acknowledge that we will gather on the traditional lands known as Kalapuya Ilihi. Kalapuya, whose descendants are citizens of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, who have been stewards of this land for generations. We honor their Elders past, present, and emerging. We recognize their enduring relationship with this land and the vital role they play in the life of the region.
As travelers committed to meaningful experiences, we pledge to take action and support these communities. Please use the list provided to contribute to local Indigenous tribes and organizations, ensuring their cultural heritage and practices thrive.
During our time here, we commit to being mindful of our impact. Let us walk respectfully, honoring traditional customs, and contribute to healing and rebuilding equitable social and environmental systems for the present and future.
To learn more and support, please visit: -
For more information on the best ways to get to Eugene, Oregon, please visit the Travel Lane County website.
Airport Accessibility Information
Onsite Accessibility – Please visit the Eugene Airport websiteAccessible Transportation from the Airport to The Graduate Hotel –
RideQuest – Please call +1.458.207.9006
Willamette Valley Transportation- Please call +1.503.569.7070Please note that Tourism Cares will offset attendee travel with partner Sustainable Travel International.
Getting Around Eugene
The Graduate Hotel offer complimentary bikes for guests based on availability. Call hotel directly for more information.PeaceHealth Rides offers bikes for rent across the city.
Accessible Bike Rentals
Hilyard Community Center offer accessible bike rentals with advanced notice. Please email Kati.Hagedorn@tourismcares.org for more information or be make a request.Accommodations
The official room block at the Graduate Eugene has expired. However, to book a room, please contact 1-844-888-4723 and reference booking code 9892626. They may be able to accommodate your request based on availability.
To book dates outside of the block on an existing reservation, please call Group Rooms Coordinator, Josh Mabry (541-342-6653) or email jmabry@graduateeugene.com.
The Graduate Eugene, 66 E 6th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401 is centrally located in Downtown Eugene within walking distance of local restaurants and attractions.
Please note that Tourism Cares will offset attendee accommodations with partner Sustainable Travel International.
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As a sponsor of Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Summit, your company directly supports Tourism Cares’ mission-driven programming to actualize the power of travel and create positive change in communities across the globe. Sponsorship levels are available at several price points to allow companies of all sizes to engage, be present and lead the way.
All sponsors receive the full Base Benefits Package, which includes:
Complimentary registrations to attend (based on levels chosen below)
Listing in press release and media communications
Individual attendee recognition as a sponsor on-site
Logo/listing recognition on-site at the program, Tourism Cares website, event app and event communications
Logo inclusion on the official program t-shirt
Form press release to share with your community
CLICK HERE for information on sponsorship levels
CONTACT US for learn about sponsorship
Meaningful Travel Summits Program Goals:
Provide connections to vetted non-profits and social enterprises for new product development
Engage in education sessions around universal topics in sustainability and meaningful travel
Create cross-sector networking opportunities with other travel and tourism professionals
Offer actionable best practices in destination stewardship and community tourism
Inspire collective action through the commitments made by Summit attendees. Learn more here.
Who Attends?
During the program, attendees will network and establish relationships with travel professionals across the entire industry. From destination managers and sustainability officers to executive leaders and travel advisors, the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Summit unites the travel industry with the common goal of building a better future for the industry and the communities that we serve.
This program is helping to further the following Sustainable Development Goals:
Thank You to Our Hosts & Sponsors:
Meaningful Travel Map of the Willamette Valley
Header image photo credit: Melanie Ryan Griffin / EugeneCascadesCoast.org
SPOTLIGHT: THE PEOPLE + PLACES OF TOURISM CARES
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre | Tourism Cares Grantee
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre was provided support on behalf of Globus Family of Brands to support ongoing mentorship, build capacity and foster resiliency for Indigenous community members through meaningful employment. The grant funds will also be used to develop a new guided tour called ANCIENT MEDICINES, enriching and connecting the cultural identity of the Indigenous Youth Ambassadors and Cultural Ambassadors the Centre works with.