Oregon A Favorite With Germans

German speaking visitors seem to love Oregon, spending more time and more money here than travelers from other countries.

State tourism officials hope to keep the romance alive, teaming up with the state of Washington and two German marketing firms to promote Northwest travel.

In 1994, more than 24,000 German-speakers traveled to Oregon. By 1995, that number rose to 38,000 - a 58 percent increase.

“Germans love open spaces and the outdoors, and that’s what Oregon has,” said Billie Rathbun-Moser, travel trade marketing manager for the Oregon Tourism Commission.

And, like other overseas visitors, Germans spend money. The average overseas tourist spends about $96 a day, compared with the $84 a day spent by domestic tourists.

Although Japanese tourists tend to spend a little more than Europeans, they don’t stay nearly as long, Rathbun-Moser said.

The average stay by a Japanese visitor is about eight days, compared to a 21-day visit by a German-speaking visitor.

Research also shows German tourists tend to visit regions rather than specific states, Rathbun-Moser said.

“Germans are adventurous, and they like to explore things on their own,” White said.

The new marketing partnership between Oregon, Washington and Germany is expected to cost about $150,000, but the agreement won’t be finalized until the end of August.

The Oregon Tourism Commission will get most of the funding for its share of the program - $75,000 - from private partners, including the Lincoln City Visitors and Convention Center and the Port of Portland.

“Germans love the beach and shopping, and we have both,” said Terri Cowling, executive director of the Lincoln City visitors center.

Last year, an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 Western Europeans visited Lincoln City, and many of those were German, Cowling said.