Hospitality industry optimistic in Portland's post-pandemic recovery

The summer travel season is finally in full swing, and so is the effort to get people back to Portland.

Nearly 70% of Americans plan to travel this summer, and 60% plan to take more vacations this year than last, according to a survey recently commissioned by the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

On Thursday, industry leaders met downtown to talk about getting people back to Portland following two tough pandemic years.

“We’re on the mend, we are in the process of recovery. And the word will get out again on how special of a place this is – what a great place it is to jump off and experience the adventures Oregon has to offer. So we are very bullish on Portland and its future,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association.

There was also a big focus on opportunities in the hospitality industry. They said to meet the demand for summer travel, the hotel industry is offering higher wages, more benefits, and flexibility.

According to the lodging association, there are more than 1,000 open jobs within the industry in the Portland area alone.