Look beyond our borders and celebrate the tourism industry

LINCOLN, NEB. (Sept. 26, 2007)—Tourism isn’t just big business here, it’s one of the most important industries worldwide.

September 27 has been designated “World Tourism Day” to provide an opportunity to look beyond our own borders and celebrate opportunity created by travel and tourism.“Nebraska is pleased to pause on Thursday and join the countless other locations around the world to acknowledge the positive impact of travel in their communities,” said Christian Hornbaker, director of the Department of Economic Development’s Travel and Tourism Division. “Tourism is the state’s third largest industry, and last year, travelers spent nearly $3.3 billion in paid accommodations.  Tourism is important to our local economy, but it’s much more than that. It’s an opportunity to show people from near and far what defines this place and what makes our culture unique.”Nebraska’s culture lets visitors sit back and relax, mingle with friendly people and spend money while visiting growing agri and eco tourism destinations, such as guest ranches, state parks, bed and breakfasts and wineries, among many other singular attractions.

Travel is a critical resource in improving America’s image around the world. It is also one of the United States’ largest industries, directly employing 7.5 million people and generating tax revenues of about $109 billion. It ranks fifth among the 20 major industry sectors measured by the U.S. Census Bureau. Travel expenditures within the U.S. total $700 billion. Tourism globally set a new record in 2006, with 842 million arrivals worldwide, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

www.VisitNebraska.org is your one-stop-shop for Nebraska tourism, where you can plan road trips, learn more about the state’s lodging facilities, attractions and events, check out virtual maps, request a free Nebraska Travel Guide and view a newly expanded photo gallery.