Travel Oregon Hosts “Sell Your Way to the USA” Winners on Prize FAM

May 13, 2025 – Three Canadian travel advisors, who were winners in the Sell Your Way to the USA incentive campaign, in partnership with Brand USA, have just returned from a prize FAM trip to Oregon from May 5-10, 2025, hosted by Travel Oregon.  

The FAM participants included: Michelle MacKenzie, Tier One Travel, Calgary, AB; Misty McKnight, Direct Travel, Regina, SK; and Callan Thompson, Sportscorp Travel, Bolton, ON. 

“It was very important to Travel Oregon to support the Sell Your Way to the USA campaign at a time when we want to re-confirm our commitment to Canadian travel advisors and visitors,” says Thomas Moser, Global Sales Manager, Travel Oregon. “Travel Oregon was proud to showcase our Why Guides program to the winners.”   

The Why Guides Program encourages visitors to consider a licensed guide or outfitter to provide safe and responsible travel experiences in Oregon. After arriving in Portland and enjoying a welcome dinner and overnight stay, the FAM participants headed out with First Nature Tours – a founding member of the program. 

The FAM began by exploring the Oregon Coast with stops in Astoria and Seaside enroute to an off-season visit to Cannon Beach. They responsibly recreated in some of Oregon’s most treasured state parks, enjoyed ocean views at a local brewery and ended the day with a bonfire and s'mores on the beach.  

Next, the FAM explored Oregon’s renowned Willamette Valley. Wine tastings were enjoyed at several wineries (a benefit of having a guide!) before the FAM participants rolled up their sleeves for an immersive cooking class and winemaker’s dinner.  

Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory, home to the state’s tallest peak, showcased a visit to Timberline Lodge – a National Historic Landmark and home to the only year-round skiing in North America, a short hike to the Pacific Crest Trail, and a tour of the "Fruit Loop" – a collection of orchards, vineyards and farms.  

Finally, the FAM made a stop in Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, home to North America's most concentrated stretch of waterfalls best visited in the off-season, before circling back to Portland.  

The Sell Your Way to the USA winners returned to Canada satiated by Oregon’s award-winning cuisine and wines (there are over 900 wineries, after all!) and inspired to promote Oregon’s West coast landscapes and outdoor adventures to Canadians looking for a responsible tourism experience. 

For more Oregon travel planning information, please visit: www.traveloregon.com