More than 50 real estate properties in the region assessed and certified

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) – Visit Central Oregon announced on Wednesday a new partnership with Make the world rolla pioneering organization committed to making travel more accessible for people with disabilities.

“This collaboration highlights Visit Central Oregon’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, transforming Central Oregon into a destination that welcomes all travelers,” says the announcement, which continues in full below:

Through this partnership, Visit Central Oregon achieved Destination verified status, the official seal of approval for Wheel the World’s accessibility. The Destination Verified program rigorously evaluates and certifies accommodations, attractions and transportation options in the region to ensure they meet specific accessibility standards.

More than 50 properties in Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook and South Wasco counties have been assessed and certified, providing travelers with disabilities easy access to detailed and reliable information to plan their visits with confidence. This initiative also benefits Central Oregon residents, providing them with access to vital accessibility information within their communities.

“In Central Oregon, we believe in a destination where travel is accessible to all, and that includes supporting and increasing access for people with disabilities,” said Scott Larson, CEO of Visit Central Oregon. “We couldn’t be more excited to work with Wheel the World, who have been incredible partners in raising awareness of Central Oregon as an accessible destination offering incredible experiences that can only be found ‘here.”

In addition to improving accessibility for travelers and residents, Visit Central Oregon and Wheel the World are giving back to the community by jointly donating equipment adapted to Oregon Adaptive Sports.

To celebrate this milestone, the three organizations are hosting an inaugural 3-mile hike using this adaptive equipment on Thursday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, along the Deschutes River South Canyon Trail, beginning and ending at Bend’s Riverbend Park (799 Southwest Columbia Street). This event will showcase the new equipment and give attendees a first-hand look at the expanded accessibility options available in Central Oregon.

“As a company deeply rooted in collaboration, Wheel the World is excited to partner with Visit Central Oregon to make nature accessible to everyone. This partnership embodies our shared mission to shape a truly inclusive travel industry, and we are honored to bring a Joëlette hiking wheelchair to Bend to make the trails accessible for everyone,” said Arturo Gaona, Director of Partnerships at Wheel the World. “Together, we are proud to help open up these experiences, just as we have done in more than 200 destinations around the world. We look forward to even more impactful journeys together. There is still much to come and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

As part of the partnership, Visit Central Oregon and Wheel the World developed a 3-minute accessibility-focused destination showcase video titled: “Explore Central Oregon with Wheel the World,” which has already been viewed more than 60,000 times.

For more information about Wheel the World and accessibility initiatives in Central Oregon, please visit https://wheeltheworld.com/accessible-travel/usa/oregon/central-oregon.

ABOUT TOURING CENTRAL OREGON:

As the regional destination marketing organization for Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook and South Wasco counties, Visit Central Oregon operates overnight tours to the region throughout the year to support a tourism economy flourishing. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Central Oregon inspires travel to the region through collaboration with industry partners and an integrated marketing campaign that celebrates the region’s unique culture, people and landscapes. As a Regional Destination Management Organization (RDMO) appointed by the Oregon Tourism Commission as Travel Oregon, Visit Central Oregon also manages the Regional Cooperative Tourism Program, operated by the Deschutes County Budget to maximize the positive economic impact of tourism and foster a healthy shared vision of tourism. for central Oregon. For more information, visit www.visitcentraloregon.com or call 800-800-8334.

ABOUT THE JOELETTE ADVENTURE CHAIR: THE Joëlette Aventure is a one-wheel all-terrain wheelchair specially designed for hiking. Made in France, it combines a sturdy seat with front and rear handlebars, allowing two guides to assist a person with reduced mobility through rugged trails and natural landscapes that would otherwise be inaccessible. Built with shock absorption features and a lightweight frame, the Joëlette allows users to explore and experience outdoor trails safely and comfortably, a game-changer for inclusive adventure in the natural environment.