SAN FRANCISCO, May 17 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. west coastal state of Oregon witnessed a strong growth and record revenues from tourism in 2017, the state's tourism promotion agency said Thursday.

Travel-related revenues throughout the state increased by 500 million U.S. dollars last year to reach a record 11.8 billion dollars, making 2017 the travel industry's eighth consecutive year with strong growth and economic impact, Travel Oregon said.

Oregon received 28.8 million overnight visitors in 2017, and statewide revenues from hotel rooms grew 8 percent, said the agency.

The number of local jobs directly generated for the tourism industry has risen to 112,200, up 2.2 percent year-on-year, the agency said, quoting independent findings by the Dean Runyan Associates, a market research organization focusing on tourism, recreation, education and economic development.

The travel industry has become one of the top three export-oriented industries in rural Oregon counties. The Dean Runyan Associates highlighted the travel industry's economic significance for Oregon.

"This report affirms the impact of our mission to drive economic development, enhance communities and create jobs through tourism in every corner of the state," said Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson.?