25th annual Tourism Week celebrates the travel industry

LINCOLN, NEB. (May 12, 2008)—Many Nebraskans have already taken advantage of some of the vacation activities throughout the state: top-notch hiking and biking, growing cities, a calendar full of summer events to suit anyone’s fancy and affordability that’s second to none.

For those who haven’t yet experienced the fun that comes with a Nebraska vacation, now’s the time to find out. Here’s a few good reasons:

• AAA recently named Nebraska one of the top five most affordable vacation destinations in the United States, with average daily vacation costs for a family of four well below the national average.
• May 10-18 marks the 25th Annual National Tourism Week, a time dedicated to celebrating – and learning about – tourism opportunities throughout the United States. This year’s theme, “Discover Great American Traditions,” is perfect for Nebraska. Learn about our state’s history along the Mormon and Oregon Trails. Follow in the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark in eastern Nebraska. Tour the majestic state capital building in Lincoln. Learn about the history of transportation at the Great Platte River Road Archway near Kearney.
• Take advantage of Nebraska Tourism’s Group Travel Planner or Road Trip planners online. Find a day trip near your home and get there and back on one tank of gas. Find an event in a small community near your home and mark the calendar now. Go to www.VisitNebraska.org for more information and start planning your trip today.
• Tourism is a great way to support the economy. Nationwide, the U.S. travel industry directly employees 7.5 million people, generates payroll of $178 billion and tax revenues of about $110 billion. The Travel Industry of America ranks travel fifth among 20 major private industry sectors. Visitors to the U.S. spent more here than U.S. residents traveling abroad, creating a positive balance of trade of $8.3 billion for the national economy. Travel expenditures within the United States total $740 billion.
If you don’t have your free 2008 Nebraska Travel Guide, now’s the time to order or download your copy from Nebraska’s one-stop tourism shop, www.VisitNebraska.org. There you can find road trip planners, view photo galleries and download fun activities to keep kids busy on the road to your Nebraska vacation.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Sarah Baker at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3797, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it