Changing Visitor Behavior Starts with Us
Coast Like a Local is a stewardship messaging campaign with a fresh take on tourism impact management that uses the power of language, behavioral science, and community-driven messaging to reshape how visitors—and locals—experience the Oregon Coast.
Behind the Approach
Effective stewardship messaging comes down to consistency. When visitors (and locals) hear the same message multiple times, from multiple sources – they are more likely to change behavior.
Coast Like a Local language focuses on the inherent desire to blend in when traveling, encouraging visitors to learn what the locals know, so they can have an authentic travel experience.
As conveners for the coastal tourist economy, the Oregon Coast Visitors Association aims to deliver one unified message through all our partners, to all our visitors: Know before you go.
Getting the Word Out
Coastal partners – from destination management organizations to local businesses – are invited to share and amplify the message to their audiences. An industry toolkit is updated regularly with social posts and assets, which can be shared coast-wide.
At a time when destinations worldwide are rethinking how to balance tourism and sustainability, Coast Like a Local takes an innovative approach to responsible travel – one that is co-created with a diverse group of land managers through OCVA’s Strategic Advisory Group, which ensures our messaging reflects the realities and needs of the coast’s ecosystems and communities. Learn more about the Strategic Advisory Group here.