In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Jeff Knapp, the newly appointed CEO of Visit Bend, to delve into his journey from a humble start in hospitality to leading one of Oregon’s most celebrated visitor bureaus. Jeff shares stories of his early days in the industry, moving from bussing tables to managing Direct to Consumer Sales at Sokol Blosser Winery, where he honed his approach to relationship-driven hospitality. He later took on the challenge of founding Visit McMinnville in 2015, transforming it into a model of sustainable tourism that has been widely recognized, including accolades like the McMinnville Mayor’s Community Pillar Award and Travel Oregon’s Leadership Award.
Now at the helm of Visit Bend, Jeff is eager to bring his expertise to Central Oregon, sharing his vision for Bend’s future as a vibrant, sustainable destination. In their chat, he and Aaron discuss some of the upcoming events and initiatives that make Bend a unique travel spot, including new grant opportunities that Visit Bend is offering to support local organizations. Jeff reveals his excitement for Bend’s potential, emphasizing his commitment to enhancing both the visitor experience and community impact through thoughtful, responsible tourism. This conversation offers an inspiring look at Jeff’s dedication to Oregon’s tourism industry and his forward-thinking plans for Bend.
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This article appears in Source Weekly October 31, 2024.
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