LINCOLN, NEB. (October 26, 2005)--Registration deadline for the upcoming Governor's Agri-Tourism Workshop has been extended to Thursday, Nov. 17, to better serve Nebraska ag producers who want to learn more about starting an agri-tourism or eco-tourism related business.

Governor Dave Heineman encourages all Nebraska entrepreneurs with interests in promoting ag- and eco-tourism to attend the workshop, Tuesday, Nov. 29, in Kearney at the Holiday Inn, 110 2nd Ave.

Organized by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's Travel and Tourism Division, the workshop will explore aspects of establishing, managing and promoting unique attractions and businesses.

The general session, "Agri-Tourism: Down to Earth Experiences Grow Tourism Dollars", presented by Jane Eckert of Eckert Agri-Marketing of St. Louis, Mo., will focus on the national trend of travelers seeking rural experiences.

Luncheon speaker Mary Jeanne Packer of FERMATA, Inc., Austin, Tex., will answer the question: "Eco-Tourism/Agri-Tourism...Is it Viable"?

Other sessions will include: "What a Business Plan Should Look Like", "Marketing 101", "Agri-tourism in Nebraska", "Insurance and Property Risks, Rules and Regulations", "Family Commitment", Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Enterprises", "Partnering/Packages/Public Relations", and "Eco-Tourism Opportunities".

For more information, or to register online, go to www.VisitNebraska.org (Scroll down to Agri-tourism Workshop box near the bottom of the home page.) The cost for the day is $30.

Additional workshop sponsors are the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and the University of Nebraska Extension.

For additional information contact: Tom Tabor at 402-471-7755, Karen Kollars at 308-249-3220, or Twyla Witt at 402-471-3791.