Tourism and Hospitality Industries

Pendleton is a “brand” of Hospitality!

Tourism plays a large role in our economy as more and more visitors take advantage of the area’s attractions, outdoor activities, history, heritage focused tourism and Pendleton’s reputation for “real west hospitality”.

The community calendar is filled with big-name concerts, conventions, conferences, trade shows and other events that bring people to this community throughout the year.

Pendleton boasts nearly 1,000 lodging rooms in 17 properties, from familiar chains to charming bed & breakfasts. RV, camping, and cabin accommodations are also available. Forty-three dining establishments provide everything “Cowboy Grub” to Northwest Cuisine.

Conventions, conferences, events and meetings for up to 2500 attendees are hosted at the Pendleton Convention Center, Red Lion Hotel, Bar M Guest Ranch and other locations.

The Pendleton Round-Up, soon to celebrate its 100^th anniversary, brings about 50,000 people from all over the world to Pendleton for an entire week each September.

The OSAA/US Bank/Les Schwab Tires 2A State Basketball Tournament in March brings thousands of team members and fans from all over the state.

Umatilla County is the recognized leader for tourism for our region. In 2003, travel spending in our county totaled $103 million, most of that centered right here in Pendleton! Umatilla County/Pendleton leads the region in tourism-related spending with the next nearest Eastern Oregon county generating only $38.2 million. Tourism in the county supports 1,720 jobs with a payroll of $26 million.

Local lodging occupancy rates have increased annually for the past five years. This generates additional revenue for the Chamber to market Pendleton, to support the convention center, to maintain infrastructure and support business.