LINCOLN, NEB. (October 5, 2007)—In Nebraska, tourism equals money and jobs. Learn more about the impact of the industry at the Nebraska Travel Conference Oct. 17-18, in Columbus. The media is welcome to attend.

“The conference itself is a great example of the impact tourism has on a community,” said Christian Hornbaker, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Division of Travel and Tourism. “When the conference comes to Columbus, it will bring tourists to the town and its surrounding communities to stay in hotels, eat meals, spend money and visit attractions.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 1:30 p.m., Hornbaker will give an update on their research and marketing efforts, including new travel industry statistics and information on the division’s planned 2008 media buys.

On Thursday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m., Governor Dave Heineman will present 14 Travel Conference Awards to a number of Nebraska tourism associations, attractions, festivals and leaders. Heineman will also make special remarks at the evening banquet. Three other awards, the Nebraska Association of Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus’ Crystal Compass Award, the Nebraska Travel Association’s Frank Morrison Award and the Nebraska Tourism Visionary Award, will be presented during the evening.   

For more information on sponsorships, to register online for the conference, or for more information, visit www.VisitNebraska.org.