You are invited to participate in a new offering for guides!

WHO: For Guides, Tour Operators and Outfitters Operating in Oregon. Your services are a key component of the tourism & outdoor recreation industry. In 2017, tourism in the state of Oregon was a $11.7 billion industry. Your business provides a valuable contribution to the local economy! You help guests to better understand our communities and develop their passion for the outdoors!

WHAT: A program has been developed to help market professional guides and elevate the value of guide services to the public. It was developed by Oregon Sea Grant and Oregon State University Extension, with support from the Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA) and Travel Oregon.  The program is called the Guide & Outfitter Recognized Professional (GORP) and is available to you free of charge through sponsorship from OCVA.
The content is organized into four sections: Local, State, National, & Global. The program provides a broad range of knowledge and skills including identification of 101 local species of plants and animals, knowledge of local history, natural resource agencies, tourism organizations, group management, customer service, sustainability, marketing, personal interpretation skills, etc.
All this prepares you to meet the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s International Adventure Travel Guide Qualifications and Performance Standard (The ATTA Guide Standard). ATTA is a private industry organization for guides and tour operators.

WHY: There is no required days or times each week to complete your coursework. It is flexible. You decide where to fit it into your work schedule. Those that finish the online program will be awarded a certification and a package of marketing benefits including; GORP branded shirt, GORP logo vinyl for boat/truck, special listing on the OCVA web site, and other online marketing services.

WHERE: Online – The GORP program provides knowledge and skills training through a blend of 4 short online courses and in-person workshops.  The program process provides an option to obtain GORP recognition for your existing knowledge by completing the online tests.

WHEN: The next GORP course will start January 21, 2019

Enrollment is now OPEN: Click HERE to ENROLL

To open a GORP Summary Document click here.

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GORP 4-H Program
A companion program for youth is also being offered as the GORP 4-H program.
Coastal Entrepreneur -Youth Guide/Outfitters/Tour Leaders

• Learn about small business development.
• Learn leadership and outdoor skills.
• Meet Professional Guides, go on outings, gain job skills.
• Opportunity to participate in Youth Entrepreneur Day at OSU College of Business in Corvallis in April
• Learn about business development using the outdoor recreation and tourism industry for a business model.
• Create your own business plan and learn from business professionals. Tours, Workshops and Online

To sign up or learn more complete follow the link below to complete the request form and contact your local County Extension Agent

GORP 4-H Information Request