Nebraska Tourism Campaign Recognized Nationally as Best
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Ben Jones at 402-326-9941, or [email protected]
Jenn Gjerde at 402-326-4455, or [email protected]
Nebraska Tourism Campaign Recognized Nationally as Best
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINCOLN, Neb. (August 11, 2022) - The Nebraska Tourism Commission was awarded for its efforts to promote the state with its “Nebraska. Honestly, it’s not for everyone” campaign.
On Tuesday, August 9, Visit Nebraska received a 2022 Mercury award at ESTO, the Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations powered by the U.S. Travel Association. The state’s campaign won the award for best Integrated Marketing and Messaging Campaign: State Marketing Budget Less than $10 Million.
The award was presented in front of an audience of more than 1,000 at the event in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Mercury Awards recognize members for excellence and creative achievements in destination marketing and inspiring the continued development of imaginative promotional programs.
“We’re thrilled to be recognized with this award and honored by all of the congratulations from our industry partners and colleagues,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “What a great night and a big deal for the state of Nebraska.”
The “Nebraska. Honestly, it’s not for everyone” campaign won the same award at ESTO 2019, and the entry for the 2022 award highlighted new redefinitions and tweaks to the already successful tactics. This included sharpening the target audience aim, asking, “If Nebraska isn’t for everyone, who is it for?” to identify those confident, intelligent and curious travelers willing to discover the unique attractions of visiting Nebraska.
Other finalists in this award category included Explore Georgia and Colorado Tourism. ESTO is the premier conference for destination marketing professionals.
While Visit Nebraska’s campaign efforts receive recognition from the industry, the receipts for the state’s tourism industry continue to show record-setting success.
June 2022 joined June of 2021 as just the second month in history where lodging tax collections exceeded $1 million for a single month. Nebraska also set a new all-time record for lodging tax in a fiscal year (seasonal basis) with $6.9 million. Lodging makes up about 20% of visitor expenditures and indicate a high level of economic success in the state’s tourism industry.
“The numbers continue to show that more and more people are finding that visiting Nebraska is for them,” Ricks said.
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.
