It’s a Wrap! Making an Impact NTTW Reception
Thank you to all of our partners who came to our National Travel and Tourism Week reception, “Making an Impact.” We had nearly 150 people attend, representing all areas of our industry, including hotels, wineries, breweries, attractions and tourism partners. Thank you to Todd Davidson of Travel Oregon for his inspiring message about tourism and to the McMenamins staff for helping create a seamless event.
We also want to give a big thanks to our makers: Boba Gems, Carriage House Lavender, Fraga Farmstead Creamery, I Body Love, Mamancy Tea, McMenamins and Urban River Spirits for sharing their amazing products with us.
Explore Tualatin Valley Awards $27,400 to Washington County Organizations for Summer Events
Explore Tualatin Valley, the destination organization that promotes Washington County, Oregon, as a tourism destination to visitors and residents, awarded a total of $27,400 to local non-profit organizations. The Tualatin Valley Inspiration Event Grant Award is a competitive award providing sponsorships or support of up to $5,000 for events and marketing.
Congratulations to Our Own Nicole Bradin and Ariel Lessens!
ETV congratulates Nicole Bradin and Ariel Lessens on their recent promotions! Nicole Bradin was promoted to Vice President of Community Engagement. She has been with the organization since fall 2021 and was previously the Community Engagement Director.
Ariel, who was hired July 2023 as the executive office manager was promoted to Destination Development Manager and will oversee the organization’s development projects, including ETV’s Foundation and Inspiration awards, Wheel The World and other projects.
Dave Parulo Represents Explore Tualatin Valley at Destination Capitol Hill
Dave Parulo recently represented Explore Tualatin Valley at Destination Capitol Hill, held April 1–2, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the U.S. Travel Association, this premier advocacy event brings together travel and tourism leaders from across the country to meet with members of Congress and advance key industry priorities.
This year’s event welcomed delegates from all 50 states and Puerto Rico, with Oregon boasting the second-largest delegation—surpassed only by California. The Oregon group included representatives from Travel Oregon, the Oregon Tourism Commission, Travel Portland, Willamette Valley Visitors Association, Visit Eastern Oregon, the Port of Portland and Explore Tualatin Valley.
As part of the advocacy effort, the Oregon delegation met directly with Senator Jeff Merkley and staff from Senator Ron Wyden’s office. Delegates also split into smaller groups to connect with Oregon’s six House Representatives.
Dave joined meetings with Congresswoman Andrea Salinas and staff from Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici’s office, and had the opportunity to connect briefly with Congresswoman Bonamici at Portland International Airport. The delegation also hosted a dinner attended by Congresswomen Janelle Bynum and Val Hoyle Dexter.
Key national issues discussed included:
- Reducing wait times for international visitors entering the U.S.
- Streamlining international visa applications
- Addressing Air Traffic Control staffing and infrastructure
- Ensuring the reauthorization and funding of Brand USA
Oregon-specific concerns focused on:
- A decline in Canadian visitation—Canada accounts for 55% of Oregon’s international visitors
- The impact of tariffs on Oregon’s wine and agriculture industries
- The CHIPS Act’s potential impact on business travel
- Economic uncertainty and its effects on domestic travel
- Staffing challenges at national parks
Explore Tualatin Valley values its role in national advocacy efforts and remains committed to voicing the interests of the region’s tourism community at the federal level.
Ready, Set, Sip! Spring Sips is Underway
This May, celebrate Oregon Wine Month as Explore Tualatin Valley’s Spring Sips returns. This month-long observance showcases local wineries, unique tasting experiences and seasonal pours and winery events, and marks the return of the fourth annual Pink! Rosé Festival wine tasting event. New this year, an interactive wine passport and exclusive guided experiences have been added to the growing list of activities.
Five Star Family Burgers Brings a Korean Twist to Burgers
A burger from Five Star Family Burger is worth the wait. In addition to traditional burgers, Five Star puts a Korean twist on their burgers for an explosion of tastes. Yelp.com named this restaurant as the best burger in Oregon two years in a row.