A Nebraskan's View by Senator Ben Nelson

Monday, July 20, 2009 INCREASING NEBRASKA TOURISM Tourism is big business in Nebraska and I would like to help make it even bigger. According to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, in 2007 more than 41,000 jobs were attributed to travel spending.

Tourism generated $3.6 billion in revenue for Nebraska making it the third highest revenue source behind agriculture and manufacturing. It’s especially beneficial to our economy when international tourists visit Nebraska to see America’s Bread Basket and experience our people, history and landmarks.

Increasing the Number of Foreign Tourists

A bill recently before the Senate that would help increase international tourism in Nebraska would have established the “Corporation for Travel Promotion” to encourage more international travelers to visit the United States. The Corporation’s job would have been to develop useful traveler information and promotions aimed at foreign tourists to showcase what they can see here.

One of the things I really liked about the bill is it wouldn’t have cost U.S. taxpayers a cent. Expenses were to be covered by the collection of a $10 travel authorization fee from foreign travelers collected by the Department of Homeland Security.

Nebraska Tourist Attractions to be Included

In developing attractions to promote to international tourists, Nebraska would not have been overlooked. The bill directed the Corporation for Travel Promotion that it must promote tourism in all states, rural and urban areas, equally.

Unfortunately, the bill fell victim to partisan politics from both sides and is currently in limbo. My hope is that senators will be able to put aside disagreements and revive the bill because it really is common sense legislation that would have increased travel, while generating revenue without costing taxpayers any money.

See Nebraska

If the legislation gets moving and is passed I am prepared to direct the Corporation to my Senate website to help them identify Nebraska tourist attractions. In the meantime, if you’re planning a family vacation in Nebraska, please check it out for yourself by visiting my website www.bennelson.senate.gov, and click on the tab marked “Explore Nebraska.” There’s a section marked “Tourism and Travel.” When you click on that a map pops up. The map is marked by numerous stick pins that highlight tourist attractions. Click on the stick pins and through Google Maps technology you can get directions to the attractions, read a brief description of them and even see a picture. It’s divided into two categories. Nebraska’s federally designated national parks, such as Homestead National Monument near Beatrice and attractions that are unique to Nebraska, such as the World’s Largest Porch Swing in Hebron.

The Good Life

Nebraska is a truly wonderful place to vacation whether you’re from another state and want to see the real America, or a resident who wants to learn more about your state, or a family trying to save some money this year by vacationing closer to home with a “stay-cation.” Visit Nebraska and see why it really is “the Good Life.”