Tourism Industry Resources
Industry Resources
Related Organizations
Here at Nebraska Tourism, it is our mission is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry, making it more viable by creating awareness and attracting increased visitors, which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state.
There are many organizations within Nebraska that are dedicated to similar missions. We encourage our industry to be aware of these existing groups and to become involved in supporting our state's tourism efforts. Below is a list of related organizations that may be exactly what you’re looking for. We’ve included them in one location that’s easy to find and easy to connect with.
statewide & regional tourism associations
Nebraska Travel Association (NETA)
The Nebraska Travel Association's (NETA's) mission is to promote and strengthen the state's tourism industry through collective teamwork, education, public awareness, lobbying, and strategic efforts. NETA provides industry communication, scholarship assistance, leader recognition, and a state forum. NETA influences policy and legislation based on what is best for its members and industry individuals alike. It is a group that unifies the state, working as one common force to benefit Nebraska.
Northeast Nebraska Travel Council
The Northeast Nebraska Travel Council is a non-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to promoting and developing the tourism industry in Northeast Nebraska. The Northeast Nebraska Travel Council represents businesses, tourist attractions and communities in 20 counties of Northeast Nebraska which include: Antelope, Boone, Boyd, Burt, Cedar, Colfax, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Dodge, Holt, Knox, Madison, Nance, Pierce, Platte, Stanton, Thurston, Washington and Wayne. Discover Northeast Nebraska is the official travel guide for the Council. For more information visit their website or call 888-371-2932.
Southeast Nebraska Tourism Council
The Southeast Nebraska Tourism Council (SENTC) has continuously promoted Southeast Nebraska since 1989 and has grown to include 13 counties. The goal of SENTC is to bring visitors to the southeast corner of the state - to visit, stay the night, and support the tourism economy. SENTC counties include Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson, Otoe, Cass, Sarpy, Gage, Saline, Fillmore, Jefferson, Thayer, Lancaster County and has recently added York and Seward Counties. SENTC is a diverse group with much to offer. "Explore the Unexpected" through their annual SENTC Visitors Guide or on their website. For questions, please call 402-525-5131.
Southwest nebraska tourism coalition
From relaxing on the beach, to bucking broncos, Southwest Nebraska has no end of things to do. World-class golf courses, plentiful wildlife, and wide open spaces give you plenty of Room to Roam.
Western Nebraska Tourism Coalition (WNTC)
What began as a committee representing the 11 counties of Nebraska’s Panhandle has come to encompass 21 counties. This cooperative group, representing regional restaurants, outfitters, hotels and more is dedicated to sharing with the world the wide variety of offerings from Nebraska’s westernmost regions. WNTC is made up of four beautiful regions where one can explore the scenic beauty: Sandhills, the Wild West, Trails West and Pine Ridge regions. The goal of the WNTC is to attract more tourists, lengthen their stay, and increase visitor spending.
Lodging Associations
Nebraska Association of Bed & Breakfasts and Unique Lodging
This Association is for all the Innkeepers of Nebraska. The Nebraska Association of Bed & Breakfasts (NABB) adheres to the highest standards of excellence in accommodations, amenities, culinary delights, and guest services. NABB includes member B&Bs located in cities, towns, villages, on farms and ranches. All B&Bs must meet basic codes mandated by the state and undergo on-site reviews by NABB. This group meets to discuss B&B needs, association marketing materials, and industry standards.
Nebraska Hospitality association
The NeHA is the voice for Nebraska hospitality, our ongoing advocacy efforts are what make it possible for us to react quickly in a crisis to protect your business. Through aggressive lobbying, monitoring legislation, initiating member campaigns, and engaging stakeholders we work to make things easier for business owners and operators.
Nebraska's Culinary, Wine & Craft Creations
Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild
Professional organization that foster’s a Nebraska-centric community that is informed, enthusiastic and actively creating unity among its members on market and public policy issues to create the most business-friendly climate for craft brewers.
Nebraska Hospitality association
The NeHA is the voice for Nebraska hospitality, our ongoing advocacy efforts are what make it possible for us to react quickly in a crisis to protect your business. Through aggressive lobbying, monitoring legislation, initiating member campaigns, and engaging stakeholders we work to make things easier for business owners and operators.
Nebraska Wine & Grape Growers Association
Exclusively represents the Nebraska wine and grape industry and is dedicated to leading the industry toward economic viability and sustainability.
Nebraska's Event Associations
Nebraska Association of Fair Managers
The Nebraska Association of Fair Managers (NAFM) is the place where all the fairs gather. The mission of NAFM is to promote county and state fairs by providing information, educational resources, and legal advice to fair organizers. The Association consists of seven districts across the state and it holds the annual NAFM convention during the weekend of January 22nd in Kearney, Nebraska. Attend the convention to book entertainment for your event and learn what you should be doing to grow your county fair.
Nebraska Festivals & Events
Founded and organized in 1988, the mission of the Nebraska Festival & Events Association (NFE) is to share and network with other festival leaders and volunteers across the State of Nebraska to learn and network, with the goal of community festival betterment statewide. The NFE organization attempts to meet semi-annually to coordinate and share festival successes and assist each committee with advice on tackling festival concerns. If you are interested in the organization, would like more information, or have questions, please contact Clark Kolterman 402-641-8522.
Nebraska's Culture, History, and Museums
History Nebraska
History Nebraska collects, preserves, and opens to all, the histories we share.
Humanities Nebraska
Everyone can benefit from interacting with the humanities, whether that is literature, history, civics, philosophy, ethics, or studying languages and arts. Humanities Nebraska, a statewide non-profit organization, offers programs that are designed to cultivate greater appreciation of our commonalities and differences, foster creativity, and generate productive civil discourse on important topics. HN reaches people of all ages, income, education levels, and lifestyles across the state with high-quality, free or low-cost programs.
Nebraska Arts Council
The mission of the Nebraska Arts Council is to promote, cultivate and sustain the arts for the people of Nebraska. In doing so, the Nebraska Arts Council provides grants and services to artists, organizations and communities. We offer grant programs that can help with anything from murals to workshops to accessibility to a reading by the State Poet. We are constantly looking for ways to forge partnerships that create and expand opportunities for the arts.
The Nebraska Museum Association
The NMA encourages, equips and unites individuals and their organizations to elevate the cultural community of Nebraska. Goals: improve and maintain communication among museums throughout the state, promote professional standards and development, serve as an information source on issues relating to museums, promote the sharing of museum resources, understanding of culture and history through public education, and promote joint marketing.
Sports, Outdoor Recreation, and Adventure
Nebraska Game & Parks Commission
The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission works to conserve Nebraska's natural resources. NGPC establishes hunting seasons, regulates game, manages state parks and other public lands. Nebraska Game & Parks also helps landowners establish conservation practices on their land, protects endangered species, and provides hunter and boater education. Check out their many outdoor resources by visiting their website.
The Great Plains Ecotourism Coalition
The Great Plains Ecotourism Coalition is a group committed to promoting environmental conservation and building thriving communities through nature-based tourism in the Great Plains. The Coalition includes both non-profit and for-profit members. The Coalition is coordinated by staff at the Center for Great Plains Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Nebraska's Scenic Byways & Roads
Nebraska Byways association
Nebraska Lincoln Highway Historic Byway is the only byway that traverses the entire state. Now known as U.S. Highway 30, this historic route lets you enjoy a leisurely tour. Discover diversity, nostalgia and small-town charm. Their website highlights Western, Central and Eastern Regions drives, providing information on historic Lincoln Highway sites, current attractions and amenities.
Department of Transportation
The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is responsible for the planning, development, design, construction, maintenance and administration of the highway system. The goals of the Department are to preserve the billions of dollars Nebraskans have invested in their state highway system, making the highways safe and efficient, and accomplishing this in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Economic Development
Department of Economic Development
The mission of the Department of Economic Development (DED) is to attract and retain businesses and talented people throughout the state. DED provides resources such as information about the state, how to start a business, how to expand a business, and how to grow a community.
Department of Revenue
The Department of Revenue manages multiple tax activities including property tax, motor fuels, charitable gaming, lottery and numerous other tax programs. For tourism purposes, the website "Revenue.Nebraska.gov" is an invaluable resource on sales and use tax, and has a webpage specifically for Nebraska & County Lodging Tax to assist with all aspects of the lodging and hospitality tax issues.
Nebraska Association of County Officials
The Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) serves as an association for all Nebraska county officials. The mission of NACO is to stimulate and contribute to continuing improvement of county government throughout the State of Nebraska including specifically increased efficiency and economy and an even higher standard of public service through the medium of county government for the ultimate benefit, common good and general welfare of Nebraska county residents.
Nebraska Retail Federation
The Nebraska Retail Federation (NRF) is an influential nonprofit organization that represents and promotes Nebraska's dynamic retail industry. NRF provides proactive and direct representation on legislation that impacts Nebraska Retailers. NRF also provides benefits and services that improve competitiveness of Nebraska's Retailers.
Nebraska Extension
Nebraska's Extension's mission is to help Nebraskans enhance their lives through research-based education. Extension professionals can be found throughout the state of Nebraska in 83 county offices that serve all 93 counties. Extension specialists focus in a variety of different areas from agricultural economics and beef systems to community vitality and tourism management. If you are interested in more information or have questions, please visit their website.
Don't see your organization on here and believe it's beneficial to the tourism industry? Let us know.
Contact Ben Jones at [email protected]