(Sisters saw tourism increase over the past two years | Photo courtesy of Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce)
Sisters has remained strong and resilient over the past two years, says Turi Shergold, Membership & Marketing coordinator for the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce. Here is what she had to say:
How did 2021 go in general?
Sisters is resilient. It’s a great little town. People love to visit because it’s drivable from Portland and Seattle and is very friendly. It’s been safe during the pandemic and is popular because of all the outdoor recreation. People want to be outside, and they want to drive to where they are going instead of flying. Some businesses have reported record months.
How did you successfully navigate pandemic challenges?
We did fewer in-person activities, and more outdoor events. The chamber itself really limited anything indoors; we did our holiday event with Santa outside. Our tree lighting, Christmas parade and the Sisters Harvest Faire are outside events, and they were all very successful. We also provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to businesses in 2020; and to a lesser extent in 2021. Businesses could come to get resources, like masks and disinfectant. We also facilitated several government grants in 2020 by helping to distribute them out to the businesses that really needed help.
What were the positives of the year?
In 2021, Sisters really bounced back. Our transient room tax was up significantly over 2020 and 2019. This was in part due to our newest hotel, GrandStay Hotel & Suites. It was incredible how many people came to visit during the pandemic. We were up 60 percent in 2021 over 2020; and up 50 percent over 2019. Due to the new hotel, you’d expect us to be up, but not 50 percent. Another positive is that we launched a brand-new website in June, sisterscountry.com. The website address is the same, but it is a brand-new launch in terms of content and look. It’s been extremely popular, and we’ve had lots of positive feedback. We’re proud of that.
What are your goals for 2022?
Our goal is for more in-person chamber activities. We are very much anticipating having the Sisters Rodeo back, which has been canceled for the past two years. The Sisters Harvest Faire, Sisters Folk Festival, Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show and the holiday events did happen in 2021, but we are anticipating having them back again this year stronger than ever.
Is there anything coming to your city in 2022 that you are excited about?
Our holiday events were super fun and popular, and well attended; that was a great highlight. The same with the Sisters Harvest Faire, this was a very strong event, and we are really looking forward to it in 2022.
