Explore Sisters hires director

Scott Humpert is the newly hired executive director for Explore Sisters, the community’s new destination management organization.

Humpert brings more than a decade of experience in the tourism and destination marketing and management world to the job, most recently as the senior marketing manager for Explore Lincoln City. He also served as president of the Oregon Coast Visitors Association prior to accepting the position with Explore Sisters. Scott is currently in the process of relocating to Sisters with his wife and children and will officially begin in his new role on December 19.

Humpert is an Oregon native who’s lived in the state his entire life.

“I look forward to bringing my experience in marketing, including brand management within the leisure travel market, into my new role,” he said.

“I am also excited about learning and getting to know the community in fine detail.

I have met so many wonderful people working in the travel industry, and it has been my pleasure to engage in networking, professional development, and other tourism-related activities.

I welcome the opportunity to represent Sisters as it cements its place as one of Oregon’s premier travel destinations.” Explore Sisters is an independent 501(c)(6) exempt organization formed in July 2022 for the purpose of increasing community livability and economic vitality through the development of intelligent management and stewardship of the Sisters area’s natural and cultural resources, tourism, and outdoor recreation.

The organization is tasked to work to positively impact the City of Sisters community and surrounding areas through the advancement of tourism, outdoor recreation, and sustainability while focusing on balanced four-season visitation and overnight stays.

According to its bylaws, Explore Sisters will strive to balance the needs of the community while fostering the evolution of the local tourism economy. It will be funded by the City through the collection of transient lodging tax on overnight stays.

As of 2003, state law requires 70 percent of new or increased lodging taxes to be used for tourism promotion or tourism-related facilities, while existing lodging taxes must maintain the percentage used for tourism promotion and tourism facilities.

Interim City Manager Joe O’Neill says, “The City is excited to see the direction Scott and the Explore Sisters board will lead the new destination management organization.”

A meet and greet event is being planned for early 2023. Watch The Nugget for details.