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General Information on SOVA
The Southern Oregon Visitors Association (SOVA) was formed in 1984 and over the years it has branded “Southern Oregon” as a diverse destination stretching from the Wild Rivers Coast to Oregon’s Outback. Since its inception, SOVA has generated more than $6.5 million for Southern Oregon visitor marketing; all of these funds were raised directly from SOVA’s marketing partners through advertising and marketing fees.

SOVA concentrates on marketing that has a direct return on investment (ROI) to our partners: businesses, convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), and destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Since 2004, SOVA has married it’s pay-to-play structure with the state’s Regional Cooperative Marketing Program (RCMP) via the regional portion of the state’s 1 percent lodging tax. This has allowed SOVA to invest in research, public relations, niche marketing, trade shows and many other exciting programs.

2007 SOVA Annual Report
Partner Application
2008-09 Calendar

Matching Grants
NOTE: As of August 2008, available matching grant funds have been awarded. Please email office@sova.org with questions.

Trade Shows
Each year liked-minded business share expenses to attended selected consumer travel shows and trade shows. By sharing costs, businesses can significantly increase their one-on-one sales efforts for very few dollars.

Trade Show Participation Form

Special Projects
From our annual marketing symposium (March 1, 2009) to special marketing programs that we develop with Travel Oregon, this is the place to find out all about SOVA's special projects.

International Tourism Grants

SOVA Co-Op Ad Programs
Each year SOVA develops a variety of co-op advertising opportunities. By sharing costs, partners enjoy a significant savings over purchasing their own media advertising. Joint ads also do a far better job of promoting Southern Oregon as a regional brand.

Final 2009 SOVA Co-op Marketing Programs

RCMP - Regional Cooperative Marketing Program
In 2004, Travel Oregon set up a revenue sharing program using a small portion of the 1% statewide room tax. SOVA was designated by Travel Oregon as a Regional Destination Marketing Organization (RDMO) and responsible for developing annual marketing plans for the use of these funds. The RCMP/SOVA MARKETING COMMITTEE, which is made of up of SOVA partners and non-partners, meets regularly to develop, monitor, and approve these plans.

Final RCMP Report - August 2008
Region 5 2007-08 RCMP Marketing Plan
2007 RCMP Marketing Plan
2004-2007 Summary of Revenue & Disbursements
SOVA Matching Grants (application)
2007 RCMP Mid-Year Status Report - Region 5
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----- Report (Please note the report will print on 8.5 X 14 inch paper)

SOVA Research
In addition to conducting its own year-round visitor profile research in conjunction with a variety of Visitor and Convention Bureaus and attraction in our seven county region, SOVA also shares statewide data that Travel Oregon provides its regional partners.

Executive summary of SOVA research (1990-2006)
2007 First Quarter SOVA Visitor Profile Research
2007 Second Quarter SOVA Visitor Profile Research

State of Oregon (Travel Oregon) contracts with Smith Travel Research to track lodging statistics throughout Oregon. Reports reflect hotels/motels/resorts that participate in the Smith Travel Research program.

Oregon Lodging Statistics - 2006

NEW - Economic Impact Data by County from Dean Runyan & Associates

2009 Southern Oregon Vacation Guide
For two decades SOVA's Southern Oregon Vacation Guide has been the No. 1 travel guide to Southern Oregon. Advertising in the Guide allows you to reach more than 427,000+ annual readers. It is also online.

The Widest Distribution – All State Welcome Centers, local visitor centers, hotels and attractions in seven counties (from the coast to Lake County), two major airports (Medford and Eugene), plus Northern California, all distribute our guide.
The Lowest Cost – Compare our CPM (cost per thousand) with any other magazine (Travelhost, Ashland Magazine, Southern Oregon Exposure, local newspaper visitor publications, etc.) and you will discover that we are your best buy.
Online Readers – Last year we mailed 30,000 guides directly to people that requested them via our website … and many of these folks reviewed our guide before they made a decision on lodging, attractions or sightseeing options.

2009 Vacation Guide Ad Rates and Deadlines

Public Relations
Working with Travel Oregon and local Visitor and Convention Bureaus, SOVA communicates with know travel writers year-round to generate free publicity on the Southern Oregon region. Links to some of our most recent stories:

Wall Street Journal
Other Current Articles

Internet Marketing
SOVA's family of websites provides travel information to more than 200,000 visitors per year. All SOVA partners receive a listing on the main SOVA website. Partners can also purchase extra exposure on the site. Rates vary, call Mark Dennett (1-800-554-0564) for current rates.

Internet advertising opportunities

Scenic Byways Touchscreen
These internet connected "touch screen" computer information kiosks are located primarily at State Welcome Centers and other selected locations. 200,000 annual users. All SOVA partners receive a listing on the main SOVA website.

List of locations