FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LINCOLN, Neb. (May 1, 2018) – Round up your family or friends and start exploring the state because the 2018 Nebraska Passport season starts today. Last year, the program generated nearly $6 million in traveler spending and enticed more than 40,000 people to explore Nebraska. With the Nebraska Passport, travelers can discover Nebraska’s beautiful scenery, try one-of-a-kind cuisine, experience life from a different era and view unique works of art, all while collecting stamps and earning prizes.
 
“This program not only encourages people to explore every corner of the state, but it benefits Nebraska tourism destinations through increased traffic and revenue,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism executive director. “The Passport is an outstanding example that tourism promotion is a significant economic driver and great investment for the state.”
 
According to a study done by Nebraska Tourism and Dean Runyan Associates, in 2017 the Nebraska Passport program not only generated nearly $6 million in travel spending throughout the state but $469,500 in state and local tax revenue. 
 
The 2018 Passport will run from May 1 through September 30 and features 70 attractions and 11 categories, including: Animals, Arts, Back in Time, Coffee, Oregon Trail, Outdoors, Pizza, Restaurants, Shopping, Sweet Treats and Wine & Beer. A full list of this year’s stops can be found at NebraskaPassport.com.
 
Last year, 1,579 stories were shared from Passport travelers of their explorations on NebraskaPassport.com. One traveler shared her story of traveling with her mom, “20+ stamps and 3 days later we arrived back in Wahoo… tired, but thrilled with the time spent with mom and filled with new experiences in a beautiful part of the state that none of us had explored before. We are looking forward to next year’s adventure!”
 
A grand-prize drawing for an Omaha Steaks Butcher's Share Quarter of Beef and a free chest freezer will be held in October. In addition, a drawing for 300 $1 Nebraska Lottery Scratch tickets, a year's worth of Runza or Bakers Candies chocolates, and a drawing for over 100+ prizes from many of the 70 Passport stops will take place. Information about additional prizes can be found at NebraskaPassport.com.
 
Passport booklets are now available at all participating stops. Participants can also download and participate via a free mobile app available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, simply search “Nebraska Passport.” With the app, Passport participants can get digital stamps and submit for prizes virtually. Nebraska Tourism encourages all participants to download the app to receive notifications about unexpected Passport stop hour changes and important announcements.
 
More information about the program can be found at NebraskaPassport.com.