FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Shannon Peterson at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3797,
or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Applications due Jan. 13

LINCOLN, NEB. (Dec. 19, 2011)—Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Passport Program. The program is expanding next year to include 72 stops featured within nine categories: golf courses, wineries, festivals, culture/history, water recreation/adventure, parks, unique accommodations, family fun and culinary.

The Passport program, coordinated by the Department of Economic Development’s Travel & Tourism Division, encourages travelers to visit attractions statewide, collect stamps at designated stops and earn prizes in the process.

To be considered as a featured destination in the 2012 Nebraska Passport Program, please complete an application, which you can find here: http://industry.visitnebraska.org/pdfs/2012PassportApplication.pdf, and email it to Public Relations Coordinator Shannon Peterson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan 13.

All applicants will be notified as to whether or not they are selected by Jan. 30. By submitting an application you agree to:

• Be open regular and reasonable hours, including at least one weekend day.
• Staff your attraction with a friendly person who can stamp passports during listed business hours and share information about things to do in your area.
• Positively promote the program by displaying materials, such as posters and passports at your attraction.
• Pay a $100 participation fee if selected as a featured attraction.
• Abide by Nebraska state law that prohibits charging participants for stamps.

Being featured in the Nebraska Passport program provides exposure to potential new visitors. In a follow-up survey, 94 percent of previous participants said they visited at least one Nebraska attraction they wouldn’t have otherwise visited because it was a Passport stop. In addition, 71 percent of respondents said they spent at least three nights away from home while visiting Passport sites.

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