Omaha tourism director named to Nebraska Tourism Committee

LINCOLN, NEB. (February 21, 2006) - Dana Markel of Omaha has been named to the nine-member Nebraska Tourism Advisory Committee by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's (DED) Travel and Tourism Division.

Markel is executive director of the Greater Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau (GOCVB). Before joining the GOCVB staff last summer, Markel was director of convention sales and marketing for Omaha's Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority. She also has worked in hotel convention sales in Oklahoma City, Okla., Dallas, Texas, Miami, Fla., and Lincoln, Neb., and was director of the Westin Hotel Corporation's worldwide sales office in Omaha.

Professional affiliations include: Destination Marketing Association International, American Society of Association Executives, Travel Industry Association, Nebraska Hotel and Motel Association, Nebraska Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, and the Metropolitan Hospitality Association. She is on the executive committee of the Omaha Sports Authority and is vice president of the Greater Omaha Chapter of SKAL International, a professional organization of tourism leaders that collaborate to build and network the tourism industry.

"Nebraska tourism is building tremendous momentum, both regionally and nationally. We have an abundance of attractions across the state and a growing collaborative spirit embracing this vital state industry," Markel said. "I'm thrilled to be part of the Tourism Advisory Committee to help illuminate the exceptional Nebraska tourism experience."