PRESS RELEASE

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Press Contact: Erin Lenz at 402-471-3797, or [email protected]
Passport Coordinator: Madison Schlake at 402-471-3789, or [email protected] 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LINCOLN, Neb. (July 16, 2019) - The Nebraska Passport is the Nebraska Tourism Commission’s annual travel program that encourages participants to explore the state’s hidden gems while collecting stamps, earning prizes and supporting Nebraska’s tourism destinations and small businesses. The 2019 program runs from May 1-September 30 and features 70 destinations in 10 themed categories. 

Within the first two months of the program, 25 travelers have made it to all 70 stops and over 40,000 booklets have been distributed. Additionally, over 46,000 digital stamps have been given out through the Nebraska Passport app. 

“It is amazing to see the impact the Passport has on not only our stops, but the communities they are in,” said Madison Schlake, Passport program coordinator. “Nebraskans should feel lucky to live in a place where supporting local small businesses and getting to know one another is a key component to our way of life. That is what makes this program so successful.” 

Passport travelers are encouraged to submit stories on nebraskapassport.com of their adventures around the state. Over 400 Passport stories have been submitted this year, describing traveler’s adventures to new places, supporting Nebraska businesses, and spending time with their friends and family.

“I fell in love with the Nebraska passport program last year. My three little girls and I went on numerous excursions around the state. We finished with 45 stops last year, and so many amazing memories! However, I was excited to challenge myself this year to try to get all 70! I was incredibly excited when I got to plan a “just mom” trip,” said Passport participant Mariel from Lincoln. “My awesome husband entertained our daughter’s with Legos and Mario Kart during the weekend and I traipsed all around the Good Life. The national forest was one of my stops on the first day of my two day trip. It was beautiful and breathtaking, and I had such a fun time climbing the huge tower and overlooking all of it!” 

The Twisted Mare in Curtis, one of the featured stops on this year’s program, permanently closed in June. Due to the unexpected closure, this stop is being given as a freebie stamp to everyone who participates. 

Participants are encouraged to check Nebraska 511 at http://511.nebraska.gov/ for road closures and weather updates that might affect their travels.

Passport booklets are available at all participating stops. The Passport app can be download for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play -- simply search for “Nebraska Passport.” To learn more about this year’s prizes and to read travelers’ stories, visit nebraskapassport.com.

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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