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LINCOLN, Neb. (May 6, 2019) – This week, the Nebraska Tourism Commission is celebrating the 36th annual National Travel and Tourism Week (May 5-11). NTTW unites communities across the country to celebrate the value travel holds for our economy, businesses and personal well-being.
The theme of this year’s NTTW, “Travel Matters,” highlights the innumerable ways in which travel makes up the fabric of Nebraska’s culture and economy. Each day of NTTW will celebrate a different facet of travel: the economy, new experiences, jobs, infrastructure, health benefits, hometown pride and how travel strengthens families.
“Just look at the numbers. Travel supports one in nine American jobs, including 50,350 right here in Nebraska,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “This week, we are celebrating travel’s powerful impact on our community. We’re calling on everyone—from elected officials to all of our local friends and neighbors—to join us in saluting this important industry.”
As Nebraska’s third largest industry, tourism is an essential economic driver and job creator in the state. According to The U.S. Travel Association, in 2017, domestic and international travelers to Nebraska spent $5.1 billion and generated $1.1 billion to federal, state and local governments.
“In every pocket of America—from the largest cities to the smallest towns—travel matters,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “I, like so many others, got my start in the travel industry, and it shaped my life in ways I could have never imagined. This National Travel and Tourism Week, we’re celebrating how travel powers our economies, strengthens our communities, and changes our lives.”
Nebraska Governor, Pete Ricketts, signed a proclamation Monday morning declaring this week as National Travel and Tourism Week in Nebraska. At the ceremony, Ricks spoke on the devastating March floods in Nebraska and how many communities that are dependent on tourism have been affected. Ricks is encouraging all Nebraskans to take an extra getaway this summer and visit one of those affected areas. "Pick a destination in the flood affected areas and spend a weekend... or more," said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. "I know that what you spend while enjoying your getaway will never be appreciated more than right now. Let's give these areas some special love throughout the summer."
The schedule of events for this week can be found here. Share your travel experiences on social media this week by using #nttw18 or #travelmatters. Learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week 2018 here.
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts signs proclamation declaring this week as National Travel and Tourism Week.
For more information about travel, events and unique destinations in Nebraska, order your free travel guide today at VisitNebraska.com. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our Visit Nebraska Facebook page, on Twitter, on Pinterest, on Instagram and on YouTube.
The mission of the Nebraska Tourism Commission is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to VisitNebraska.com.
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