One week left to apply for 2016 Nebraska Passport Program
FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Press inquiries should be directed to Jenn Gjerde at 402-471-3768 or [email protected]
Passport questions should be directed to Amanda Barker at 402-471-3789 or [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
One week left to apply for 2016 Nebraska Passport Program
LINCOLN, Neb. (Dec. 8, 2015)— Businesses and attractions hoping to be part of the 2016 Nebraska Passport Program have one week left to apply.
Next year will be the seventh year for the program, which encourages locals and visitors to get out and explore Nebraska, while earning prizes. The 2015 Passport featured 80 attractions and events on 10 themed tours throughout Nebraska and the 2016 program will likely be similar. Nebraska Tourism Commission Executive Director, Kathy McKillip, explained, “The Passport program is designed to inspire people to travel the state while making great memories with their family and friends. The people who participate in this program then share their passion and experience with others, the word of mouth then creates a ripple effect, which is authentic advertising.”
In 2015 more than 24,600 travelers participated in the program, including Nebraska residents from over 125 communities and out-of-state visitors from 23 states.
“The benefit of being a part of the Passport program is the obvious advantage of increased traffic to your destination,” said Amanda Barker, Passport Program Coordinator. “In 2015, more than 80 people hit all 80 stops. That’s a lot of individuals who may have never gone to one of these places if it wasn’t for the program.”
To be considered as a featured destination in the 2016 Nebraska Passport Program, go to www.nebraskapassport.com and fill out an online application before 5 pm on December 15, 2015. Questions about participating in the program can be directed to Amanda Barker at [email protected] or 402.326.4896.
Before applying, please consider that if selected your attraction/business must:
- Be open regular and reasonable hours (including at least one weekend day), and be staffed by friendly people who can stamp passport booklets.
- Pay a $100 participation fee to cover cost of custom stamps (no fee is necessary to apply, the fee is collected at a later date only if you are selected as a 2016 passport stop.)
- The program prohibits charging participants for admission in order to receive a stamp. Most visitors will naturally invest money in things they wish to see, buy, eat, or experience, but due to program guidelines, Passport stops cannot impose purchases upon the participant.
- Be NICE
To see video interviews of some of the participants who completed all 80 stops go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gPmNV5KxSM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHYRSmaE4Qs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrINf-k4UMI
To learn more about how the Nebraska Passport Program promotes Nebraska tourist attractions and small businesses go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdOP00DVzyE
For more information about travel, events and unique destinations in Nebraska, order your free travel guide today at www.VisitNebraska.com. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our Visit Nebraska Facebook page, on Twitter, on Pinterest 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 www.VisitNebraska.com.
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