The following LinkedIn post by Justin Keyes-Bundy, Digital Content Manager at Visit Bend, Oregon caught our eye. We’re so pleased that Justin shares it here for the benefit of DMOs in the TourismIQ community.

“Today we officially sunset Visit Bend’s TikTok presence.

As a social media manager, platform decisions aren’t just about reach—they’re about alignment.

After recent policy changes at TikTok tied to its U.S. restructuring, our team took a step back and asked a simple question: does this still feel aligned with who we are and how we want to show up?

For context, we haven’t actively prioritized the account since our new fiscal year in July 2025. We paused while waiting to see whether a deal would be reached or a ban put in place. This week felt like the right moment to make that pause official.

We also chose not to quietly delete the account. We’d hold the handle either way—but leaving it up with a clear message felt more honest. It’s a small thing, but it matters. Still telling Bend stories. Just choosing to do it differently.

I’m grateful to work at Visit Bend where owned, paid, and earned media decisions are guided by values—stewardship of place, community impact, and showing up in ways that feel authentic and responsible. Sometimes that means leaning in. Sometimes it means stepping away, even when there’s organic traffic on the table.

That balance is part of the work. And I’m proud of how our team continues to navigate it.”