News Release Nebraska Tourism Commission
LINCOLN, Neb.-
Nebraska Tourism is excited to announce over 100 people completed the 2021 Nebraska Passport so far. As of Wednesday, July 21, 106 people have completed the program. These Passport Champions who travel to all 70 stops hail from communities spread throughout Nebraska, as well as Iowa, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.
The Passport inspires Nebraskans and tourists to travel throughout the state collecting stamps to earn prizes, while also supporting Nebraska’s tourism destinations and small businesses. This year’s program runs from May 1 to September 30.
“Not only is the Passport a fun program to participate in, it also provides a huge economic impact to the state,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism executive director. “In 2019, the program generated $23.7 million in traveler spending and $1.9 million in local and state tax revenue, and the program has only continued to grow since then.”
Doug and Leah Hubbard have participated in the Nebraska Passport Program for the last seven years, four of them as Passport Champions.
“The program has something to meet everybody's tastes and interests. We eagerly anticipate each passport year for the chance to visit old favorites and experience new places alike. You really never know what Nebraska has to offer until you get out and experience it first-hand and in person,” said Doug and Leah Hubbard, Passport Champions from Omaha.
As of July 21, 65,329 digital stamps have been collected and 43,680 booklets have been requested.
“The Nebraska Passport program has been a blessing to GoodyPop! We have enjoyed meeting people from all areas of the state and the USA,” said Keith & Janeen Berg, owners of GoodyPop in York, one of the 2021 stops.
Passport booklets are available to pick up at all participating stops. Participants are also encouraged to download the Nebraska Passport App on their smartphone and get digital stamps, supplementing the physical Passport booklet for convenience. Program updates are sent out regularly through the app.
This year’s prizes include Nebraska Lottery vouchers, a commemorative magnet, Visit Nebraska 2022 calendar, Nebraska Passport canvas bag, picnic blanket and a “Passport Champion” t-shirt. Additional winners will be chosen for prize drawings for an Omaha Steaks Monthly Steak Box, three 2-night cabin stays at select Nebraska Game and Parks areas, one combo meal a week for a year from Runza, $300 worth of Nebraska Lottery Scratch tickets, $250 gift card from Pump & Pantry and prize donations from current and past Passport stops.
More information on the Passport program can be found at NebraskaPassport.com or go to VisitNebraska.com for trip ideas and things to do across the state.
The 2021 Nebraska Passport Program is sponsored by History Nebraska, Nebraska Lottery, Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska City Tourism & Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska Game and Parks, AAA Nebraska, Omaha Steaks, Runza and Pump & Pantry.