Travel Portland – the official destination marketing organisation for Portland, Oregon – has officially returned to the UK and Irish market after a five-year hiatus, reaffirming its commitment to one of its most valuable international audiences.
The company is doing so in partnership with Black Diamond – the UK’s leading travel marketing specialist.
Black Diamond will lead on strategy, travel trade and PR initiatives. With a renewed focus on travel trade partnerships, agent education, and FAMs, as well as creative story placement and media advocacy, the agency will ensure that Travel Portland’s mission – to make Portland one of the USA’s ‘must-visit’ destinations – is kept front of mind.
Heather Anderson, Director of International Tourism Administration at Travel Portland said: “The UK remains one of our most important international markets, and we’re excited to reconnect with the travel trade to share all that’s new in Portland. As our trusted partner to lead this new strategic vision, we’re confident in Black Diamond’s expert knowledge and relationships to strengthen our presence, grow meaningful connections and inspire more visitors to discover Portland.”
“Portland has always resonated with the UK and Irish traveller, and we’re thrilled to be reconnecting the industry with this progressive city,” added Liz Cairns, Head of Travel Trade at Black Diamond. “With the recent remodelling of the main terminal at Portland’s International Airport (PDX) and nonstop flights with British Airways from London Heathrow, the city is developing in exciting ways. We look forward to sharing everything that makes Portland a truly diverse and welcoming destination with our trade partners”.
Since 2020, Portland has continued to evolve with new hotels and unique experiences, including Cascada, Portland’s first underground thermal springs spa and hotel. Summer 2026 will see the opening of the much anticipated James Beard Public Market, taking the city’s status as a dynamic culinary hotspot to new heights.
A key component of the new direction includes a revised media strategy that will focus on showcasing the city as a dynamic and experience-led destination, highlighting the thriving ‘makers’ scene, diverse gastronomy, and vibrant LGBTQ+ community, as well as Portland’s easy access to nearby natural attractions like Multnomah Falls. –The strategy will also leverage 2026 travel trends leaning into the city’s growth in sports tourism, positioning Portland as an ideal stop between host destinations for the FIFA World Cup. Activity will include press trips, influencer marketing and media partnerships to bring the city to life across multiple channels.
Travel Portland will participate in key B2B networking events across the next 12-months, including Brand USA Travel Week from 20-23 October 2025 and TravMedia’s International Media Marketplace from 9-10 March 2026.
