Visit Nebraska Celebrates Excellence at Annual Awards Ceremony
PRESS RELEASE
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Jenn Gjerde at 402-525-4455, or [email protected]
Ben Jones at 402-326-9941, or [email protected]
LINCOLN, Neb. – (February 13, 2025) – The Nebraska tourism industry gathered Thursday evening to celebrate the individuals and organizations making exceptional contributions to the state’s tourism sector. Held at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln, the Nebraska Tourism Awards ceremony marked the conclusion of the 2025 Nebraska Tourism Conference, hosted by Visit Nebraska.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Henry Fonda Award to Karla Niedan-Streeks, recognizing her lifetime of service to Nebraska’s tourism industry.
"Karla’s leadership, vision and unwavering dedication have helped shape western Nebraska into the incredible tourism destination it is today," said John Ricks, executive director of Visit Nebraska. "Her tireless efforts in promote the regions history, culture and natural beauty have made a lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come."
Niedan-Streeks began her career in North Platte in the mid-1980s and later served as the Director of the Gering Convention & Visitors Bureau. Her work in both local and statewide tourism initiatives has been vital to promoting the state’s historical treasures and strengthening its tourism economy.
In addition to the Henry Fonda Award, other notable awards were presented:
Visionary Award
The Visionary Award was presented to Vic Gutman, a community leader whose work has shaped Omaha's cultural and social landscape. Gutman founded the Omaha Summer Arts Festival in 1975, helped establish the Omaha Farmers Market, and played a pivotal role in major city events like the 150th Birthday Celebration and the Millennium Lights Celebration. His visionary contributions have had a lasting impact on Omaha's tourism industry.
Outstanding Event (Towns with Populations Above 10,000)
The Lincoln Children's Zoo's annual Zoo Lights Powered by LES was awarded Outstanding Event for communities with populations above 10,000. The holiday event attracted over 70,000 visitors and featured more than 27,000 train rides and nearly 29,000 cups of cocoa. With new additions like the Fountain Light Show and Cathedral Light Tunnel, the event has grown into a major holiday tradition, contributing to Lincoln's tourism economy.
Outstanding Event (Towns with Populations Below 9,999)
The Gravel National Championship LOC was honored as the winner of the Outstanding Event for communities with populations below 9,999. Held in 2024, the event organized by the Scotts Bluff/Gering Sports Council drew over 1,000 riders from 47 states. Over 100 volunteers supported the event, which boosted local businesses and helped establish Gering as a premier gravel racing destination.
Outstanding Marketing Campaign
The winner of the Outstanding Marketing Campaign Award was Visit Omaha’s “What Kind of Traveler Are You?” influencer campaign. The campaign, which focuses on curated travel itineraries based on traveler personas, generated over 7 million impressions and 5 million video views.
Outstanding Tourism Attraction
The Norfolk Riverfront was named the winner of the Outstanding Tourism Attraction Award. Featuring the North Fork Whitewater Park and the newly revitalized Johnson Park, this transformative project is expected to draw up to 31,000 visitors annually and could generate nearly $2 million in spending, strengthening Norfolk's position as a key tourism destination.
Outstanding Agritourism or Ecotourism Entity
Prairie Wind Birding Tours was awarded Outstanding Agritourism or Ecotourism Entity. Located on a family farm with a prairie chicken lek, the business hosted guests from two countries and 34 states during its second season. Its partnership with local organizations like Rowe Sanctuary and Visit Kearney has elevated the region’s appeal as an ecotourism destination.
Friend of Tourism Award
Alan Bartels, an advocate for Nebraska’s culture, history, and natural wonders, received the Friend of Tourism Award. Known for his work as the author of 100 Things to Do in the Nebraska Sandhills Before You Die, Bartels has contributed to Nebraska Life Magazine, USA Today and National Geographic. His volunteer efforts and dedication to showcasing Nebraska’s hidden gems have made a lasting impact on the state’s tourism industry.
Nebraska Passport Champions Choice Award
Nebraska Passport champions who visited all 70 stops voted Adeline's Bakery in Burr their favorite stop of 2025. Founded in 2022 and located in the rolling hills of eastern Nebraska, this unique bakery is a dream of baker Amy Oswalt. Adeline’s Bakery produces some of the most interesting and tasty pies, cookies, rolls, cakes and pastries in the state. As one Passporter shared on Facebook, “Warning: you will meet an exceptionally sweet and kind morning person at Adeline’s Bakery! Almost as sweet as the cinnamon rolls. Such a fun stop!"
The Nebraska Tourism Conference will return to Lincoln in 2026. Save the Date now for the event, February 10-12, 2026, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Lincoln.
The awards, created by Brett Boller Woodworks, celebrate the achievements and contributions of the
Nebraska tourism industry. Award finalists can be viewed here. More information on the Nebraska Tourism Conference, including the full schedule, can be found here.
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 X, on Pinterest, on Instagram and on YouTube.
The mission of Visit Nebraska 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.
