News Release Nebraska Tourism
The Nebraska Tourism Commission received more national recognition for its successful efforts to promote the state with its “Nebraska. Honestly, it’s not for everyone” campaign.
On Tuesday, August 9, Visit Nebraska was honored with a 2022 Mercury Award at ESTO, the Educational Seminar of Tourism Organizations powered by the U.S. Travel Association. The state’s campaign won the award for best Integrated Marketing and Messaging Campaign: State Marketing Budget Less than $10 million. This is the second time that Nebraska has walked away with this top award. The first time was when the campaign was introduced in 2019.
Members of the Nebraska Tourism team received the much sought-after Mercury Award in front of an audience of more than 1,000 at the event in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Mercury Awards recognize state tourism offices for excellence and creative achievements in destination marketing and inspiring the continued development of imaginative promotional programs.
“We’re thrilled to be recognized with this award and honored by all of the congratulations from our industry partners and colleagues,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism executive director. “What a great night and a big deal for the state of Nebraska.”
Just as importantly, visitors continue to respond positively to the campaign by taking trips to Nebraska. Lodging tax revenue, visitor traffic and spending continue to be strong this summer and carry on at a record pace for the year.
“The month of June 2022 is only the second time ever that monthly lodging tax revenue surpassed $1 million,” Ricks said. “Total lodging tax revenue set a new all-time record in fiscal year 2022 on a seasonal basis with $6.9 million in collections.”
Nebraska Tourism is funded by the 1% lodging tax.
Since lodging makes up only about 20% of visitor spending, total visitor expenditures, including events, attractions, restaurants and other travel-related segments approached $2 billion halfway through this calendar year. In 2021, total visitor expenditures were $3.6 billion.
“The numbers continue to show more and more people are finding visiting Nebraska is for them,” Ricks added.
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