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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINCOLN, Neb. (May 8, 2023) - The Nebraska Tourism Commission and Governor Jim Pillen are celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week. Tourism is the third-largest industry in Nebraska and brought a significant economic benefit to the state in 2022 with record numbers. Taking into account the critical role this industry plays in Nebraska, Governor Pillen has proclaimed May 7-13 as National Travel and Tourism Week in Nebraska and urged the citizens of the state to join him in recognizing the critical role this industry plays in Nebraska.
"The tourism industry is vital to so many communities across Nebraska, as well as to the state as a whole," said Nebraska Tourism executive director John Ricks. "We are proud to take this week to recognize the hard work and importance of anyone and everyone involved in making and keeping Nebraska a great place to visit."
Ricks will be touring the state next week for speaking engagements and to award the hospitality workers of Nebraska with Frontline Awards, submitted by the industry. Scheduled appearances include:
- Wednesday, May 10 at 12:00 p.m. North Platte - Excellence in Tourism Luncheon, at Venue304
- Thursday, May 11 at 11:30 a.m. Kearney - Celebrate Tourism Luncheon, at The Archway
Tourism in Nebraska continues to see substantial growth, with increases in several categories. Some of these increases include:
∙ Visitor expenditures reached $4.4 billion in 2022, up $800 million, or 20% over 2021
∙ Overnight visitors totaled 11.7 million, up 500,000 from 2021
∙ Travel-generated employment totaled 40,260, up 7.2% over 2021
"We are pleased with the continued economic impact the tourism provides, especially the sustained growth that is outpacing inflation," Ricks said.
Several Nebraska restaurants, breweries and wineries plan to participate and offer weeklong specials and discounts in honor of NTTW 2023.
This year, U.S. Travel Association is highlighting the critical role travel will play in driving economic growth and building the path forward through the theme #TravelForward. The 2023 theme highlights the integral role the travel industry plays in our nation's recovery and our future of growth and innovation.
Celebrated annually the first full week in May, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 40th annual NTTW arrives as the industry looks ahead to future growth and success following the challenges of the past three years.
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