Nebraska Tourism Industry

01/03/2024

Introducing the 2024 Nebraska Passport 🎉

The day has arrived!! 🎉🎉🎉

What better way to celebrate Nebraska's birthday than revealing the 2024 Nebraska Passport stops?

It's another big anniversary: The 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭. So we're giving you a little something extra. In addition to the 70 stops and 10 tours, you'll be able to take a 15-stop bonus tour, with stops from the past voted on by past Passport Champions!

Check out all of this year's locations and start planning your adventure today at https://nebraskapassport.com/stops

29/02/2024

Tourism isn't just an industry; it's a force that fuels our state's economy. 🚀 Delve into "Understanding Tourism: Nebraska's Sleeping Giant," a captivating special by Nebraska Public Media, to unearth the profound impact tourism has on restaurants, attractions, hotels and unique activities.

Understanding Tourism: Nebraska's Sleeping Giant

21/02/2024

Nebraska Tourism was honored for travel marketing excellence by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) at the annual Adrian Awards Celebration in New York last week.

Return to the Press Room HSMAI Honors Nebraska Tourism with a Silver Adrian Award for Outstanding Travel Marketing PRESS RELEASE FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT: Jenn Gjerde at 402-525-4455, or [email protected] Ben Jones at 402-326-9941, or [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LINCOLN, Neb. (Feb. 14,...

20/02/2024

19/02/2024

Join us tomorrow as we honor and celebrate Shirley's retirement.

12/02/2024

A big thanks to everyone who attended the 2024 Nebraska Tourism Unity Summit. Cheers to Maly Marketing for their photo booth services during the Wednesday evening reception. What a fun addition! Thank you!

01/02/2024

This week, Nebraska Tourism executive director John Ricks received the J. Desmond Slattery Professional Marketing Award at the Marketing Outlook Forum in Houston. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions to travel and tourism marketing, showcasing his innovative campaigns and dedication to promoting Nebraska as a top travel destination. 🏆

31/01/2024

Nebraska's astronaut and now director of the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, Clayton Anderson will be the final keynote of the Nebraska Tourism Unity Summit Wednesday, February 7 at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln.

Register today: https://visitnebraska.com/industry-events/2024-nebraska-tourism-unity-summit

27/01/2024

Wrap up the 2024 Nebraska Tourism Summit with a spectacular celebration – Nebraska's very own 'Night At The Museum.' Join us for this exciting event at the Nebraska History Museum, where the festivities will include:
•Premiere: Watch the premiere of Nebraska Public Media's latest special, “Understanding Tourism: Nebraska’s Sleeping Giant,” exploring the vital role of tourism in our state.
•Culinary Delights: Indulge in delicious hors d'oeuvres provided by the Nebraska Hospitality Association, craft brews from the Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild and wines from the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association.
•Museum Exploration: Discover Nebraska's rich culture through the museum's latest exhibits.
•Networking: Mingle with industry leaders and public officials to gain valuable insights into the future of Nebraska's tourism industry.

26/01/2024

Good News! The hotel block for the 2024 Nebraska Tourism Unity Summit has been extended to Monday. Don't miss out – secure your rooms today!

Welcome to Graduate Lincoln, located just steps away from UNL with spacious accommodations and school spirit. Book Graduate Lincoln today!

08/01/2024

We're excited to welcome DMO professional Bill Geist as a keynote speaker at the first-ever Nebraska Tourism Unity Summit on 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟕 at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln!

Bill is the Chief Instigator at DMOproz (aka Zeitgeist Consulting), a firm specializing in strategic planning, organizational advocacy, governance, marketing and legislative issues for Destination Marketing and Management Organizations across the Americas. Since 1995, Bill has worked with over 200 DMOs from Alaska to Belize.

Formerly the CEO of the Greater Madison (WI) Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bill was at the epicenter of the public battle to build a downtown convention center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Prior to his stint in Madison, he directed the Kankakee County (IL) CVB and oversaw a number of top-draw tourism events including the Domino’s Pizza Outboard Powerboat National Championships. Even before his first DMO gig decades ago, the foundation of his marketing experience came from his years in broadcast media in the greater Chicago market.

Bill holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin and an undergraduate degree in Political Science. His second book “Destination Leadership,” is a deeper and updated version of his first book “Destination Leadership for Boards.” Bill is host of the Industry Podcast: DMOU (Destination Marketing/Management Organization University), interviewing the best and brightest DMO professionals each month. Bill is also a contributing author to the Destinations International sponsored “Fundamentals in Destination Marketing” and is currently a Board Member of the Destinations International Foundation.

Learn more about the Summit and register at https://visitnebraska.com/industry-events/2024-nebraska-tourism-unity-summit

29/12/2023

We are hiring! Learn more and apply here: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/97646583

20/12/2023

Happy Holidays to all! We would like to take this opportunity to share a message from our very own Karen. Please read on:

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬,

With a heart full of gratitude and memories spanning over 19 wonderful years, I write to announce my upcoming retirement from Nebraska Tourism. It has been an incredible journey that began in 2004 as the Western Field Representative and Agritourism Consultant, a role that has brought immense joy, fulfillment, and invaluable experiences. I've had the privilege of witnessing the vibrant tapestry of Nebraska's tourism and agritourism growth firsthand. Working closely with passionate landowners and witnessing families embrace their heritage and businesses has been the highlight of my career. The creativity, dedication, and love they infuse into their work is truly inspiring.

I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to such an amazing industry and to work alongside such remarkable individuals. The love for my job and the people I've had the pleasure of working with will be deeply missed. As I embrace this new chapter in life, marked by significant changes in my personal life, one of which was getting married, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Though I'll be stepping away from my current role, the connections and relationships cultivated throughout these years will always remain invaluable to me. I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your support, camaraderie, and shared dedication to Nebraska Tourism. While I embark on this new journey, I look forward to staying connected and witnessing the continued success and growth of this remarkable industry.

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬,

𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧 (𝐊𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬) 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐳𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤

13/12/2023

There's still time to sign up! And don't forget to reserve your spot in the room block, which closes Sunday, December 17.

The 2024 National Western Stock Show is set for 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟔-𝟐𝟏 in Denver, CO. The Nebraska Tourism Commission is an official partner of the iconic NWSS. This partnership includes 160 square feet of premium exhibit space in the Expo Hall, banner ads throughout the grounds, videos playing prior to events and much more.

Volunteers are needed to help promote Nebraska at our exhibit booth. Volunteers are invited to bring along 100 brochures to promote their attraction, business, community or county.

A block of rooms is reserved at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 3203 Quebec Street, Denver, CO at a rate of $109.00/night plus tax. The cut-off date for the room block is December 17.

Contact Karen Kollars with questions at [email protected] or call 308-249-3220. It would not be possible to have a booth at the 16-day NWSS without the help of volunteers. Thanks for helping!

📝 Volunteer sign-up: https://bit.ly/3tNnxMh

🛏 Room block: https://bit.ly/472l4vJ

07/12/2023

Speaker and author Aaron Davis will keynote the first ever Nebraska Tourism Unity Summit Wednesday, February 7 at 9:15 a.m. at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln.

Speaker/Author & Attitude Expert Aaron Davis was a member of the 1994 National Championship Nebraska Football team. He’s worked with numerous corporations and organizations in their quest to improve performance by improving attitudes!

Aaron is not just a speaker "telling" other companies and individuals how to succeed. As an entrepreneur, consultant and coach, he’s had active roles in start-ups and stints in corporate America. Over his 20+ year speaking career, he’s published three books and talked to over 1,000,000 people.

He's received numerous awards and accolades and is a proud University of Nebraska alumnus, earning his degree in Psychology. Aaron is also a very grateful cancer survivor!

Sharing the stage with some of today's top luminaries in various fields is an honor. A few of the top clients and companies he has presented before include State Farm, John Deere, Case International, Union Pacific, Farm Bureau, Walmart, ConAgra, University of Nebraska, USC, Penn State, Texas A&M, Shelter Insurance, CHI Health and many more.

Aaron and his wife reside in Nebraska, and they have two sons and a daughter.

To learn more about the Summit and to register, visit https://visitnebraska.com/industry-events/2024-nebraska-tourism-unity-summit

05/12/2023

The Nebraska Tourism grant cycle is still open until 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟖, so there's still time to apply!

If you want to support for your destination, community or attraction, the Community Impact or Tourism Marketing grants are great places to start.

Industry Return to Industry Homepage Tourism Grant Programs Community Impact Grant Program Guidelines Read More Tourism Marketing Grant Guidelines Read More

27/11/2023

There's still time to apply to become a stop on the 2024 Nebraska Passport!

If you want to benefit travelers by helping them create lifelong memories through discovering Nebraska’s hidden gems while getting increased visitor traffic, sales and awareness for your destination, consider applying!

The application closes 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟎. Apply at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024passport

21/11/2023

🎉🎉Bonus Podcast episode!!! Just in time for the holidays, we chatted with Madison about the 2023 Nebraska Holiday Passport, which launched on 11/17 and goes until 1/7/2024. Full of fun things to make your holidays brighter, listen on your favorite podcast channel to Episode 27. 🎄☕🎁



🔗 https://nebraskapassport.com/holiday

14/11/2023

Congrats to this years Outstanding Event (pop. 9,999 and under). Yesterday, our team proudly delivered Junkstock's well-deserved award to Sycamore Farms. Sara and Danelle couldn't join us at the 2023 Celebrate Nebraska Awards Banquet in Gering last month, but let's celebrate their achievements now with a virtual round of applause 👏.

01/11/2023

NEBRASKAland DAYS is seeking applications for the 15th Executive Director of Nebraska's Official State Celebration.The application period will expire on November 15th at the close of business.The review committee appointed by the Board of Directors will be looking at resumes throughout the month of....

31/10/2023

Wishing you a spooktacular Halloween from the Nebraska Tourism Commission office! Beware, for John has transformed into the scariest of clowns. 🎃👻

26/10/2023

The 2024 National Western Stock Show is set for 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟔-𝟐𝟏 in Denver, CO. The Nebraska Tourism Commission is an official partner of the iconic NWSS. This partnership includes 160 square feet of premium exhibit space in the Expo Hall, banner ads throughout the grounds, videos playing prior to events and much more.

Volunteers are needed to help promote Nebraska at our exhibit booth. Volunteers are invited to bring along 100 brochures to promote their attraction, business, community or county.

A block of rooms is reserved at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 3203 Quebec Street, Denver, CO at a rate of $109.00/night plus tax. The cut-off date for the room block is December 17.

Contact Karen Kollars with questions at [email protected] or call 308-249-3220. It would not be possible to have a booth at the 16-day NWSS without the help of volunteers. Thanks for helping!

📝 Volunteer sign-up: https://bit.ly/3tNnxMh

🛏 Room block: https://bit.ly/472l4vJ

19/10/2023

Nebraska tourism industry members honored the hard work and dedication of their peers at the Celebrate Nebraska Awards Banquet on Thursday at the Gering Civic Center. The event wrapped up the annual Nebraska Tourism Conference organized by the Nebraska Tourism Commission and the Gering Visitors Bureau.

16/10/2023

The Nebraska Tourism Commission’s application cycle is now open for both the Tourism Marketing Grant Program and Community Impact Grant Program.

The programs offer funding opportunities to organizations to promote their events, destinations, community or region to travelers.

The grant cycle is open until December 8, 2023. Grant recipients will be announced February 1, 2024. Learn more and apply below.

Industry Return to Industry Homepage Tourism Grant Programs Community Impact Grant Program Guidelines Read More Tourism Marketing Grant Guidelines Read More

12/10/2023

Get to know the speakers and topics for the 2023 Nebraska Tourism Conference!

03/10/2023

We're just 2 weeks away from the 2023 Nebraska Tourism Conference!

Registration ends 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟔, so get signed up today. Not only will you enjoy top-notch speakers and panels, plus networking opportunities, but you'll get discounted registration to the one-day Tourism Unity Summit in Lincoln next February!

Save the Date October 17-19, Gering

14/09/2023

We're excited to welcome our two keynote speakers for the 2023 Nebraska Tourism Conference in Gering!

𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 is an award-winning storyteller, comedian, motivational speaker and author. She is a Huffington Post Contributor and a cast member of The Fashion Hero television show airing on Amazon Prime. She has launched her one-woman show, “Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale.” In July of 2022 she was inducted into the National Speakers Association Speaker Hall of Fame.

In addition to her role as a funny motivational speaker, she teaches people how she does it by sharing what she has learned about connecting and engaging to have more influence in business, using one tool – strategic storytelling. Kelly will open the conference with her keynote on Wednesday, October 18 at 9 a.m.

𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 specializes in destination research, planning and strategy. His travel industry experience includes management positions at a destination marketing organization, a research/planning firm, a Chamber of Commerce and managing a golf resort community, all of which gave him a unique edge when analyzing research data. He has conducted research and strategic planning studies with destinations of all sizes in 35 states.

Berkeley is obsessed with understanding the behavior of travelers and how they make their destination decisions. Taking that research into a comprehensive plan to unify a destination’s leader is his favorite part of client work. Berkeley will speak during the lunch session at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, October 18.

01/09/2023

❗ 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠! ❗

We are now accepting applications for stops on the 2024 Nebraska Passport. Restaurants, museums, outdoor adventures, retail stores, wineries, breweries, arts destinations and more anywhere in the state are welcome to apply.

Some of the requirements for Nebraska Passport stops include:

✅ Offer an exceptional and unique visitor experience.

✅ Be open regular, reasonable, consistent hours (including at least one weekend day) during the Nebraska Passport season (May 1 to September 30).

✅ Keep the same hours of operation throughout the Passport season.

✅ Display excellent customer service.

✅ Be a good tourism ambassador for your region. Talk to travelers about other tourism destinations, restaurants, retail stores, etc. in your area that they may be interested in visiting.

Apply today at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024passport

28/08/2023

Grant Alert 🚨🚨

The webpage for the North and South Omaha Recovery Grant (NSORG) Program will launch this week. A link to the program webpage will be available at https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/recovery/. The Nebraska Department of […]