LINCOLN, Nebraska - Nebraska Tourism reports the Nebraska Passport program generated $23.7 million in traveler spending last year - according to new research conducted at the end of 2019. The Nebraska Passport helps travelers discover the state’s beautiful scenery, quirky destinations, hidden gems and delicious cuisine, all while collecting stamps and earning great prizes.
Nebraska Tourism's Erin Lenz tells KFAB Radio News, "The last time we did an economic impact study was in 2017 and the program generated nearly $6 million so the program has really grown in the last couple of years. Then it generated about $460,000 in state and local tax revenue."
In 2019, a study by Dean Runyan Associates shows the program generated $1.9 million in state and local tax revenue. For every dollar Nebraska Tourism invested in the program, $150 was generated in traveler spending and $12.30 was generated in tax revenue.
Participants in 2019 included residents from 37 states and 418 Nebraska communities. Additionally, the study found that 82 percent of passport participants made an overnight trip with 81 percent of them staying in traditional lodging. Lenz says 900 people visited all the locations in 2019. In 2017, fewer than 470 people finished the journey.
Lenz says they received more than 250 applications from people, businesses and organizations that want to be on the 2020 Passport list. They are sorting through those applications now and will select 70.
The program runs from May 1 to September 30. Travelers can participate using the Nebraska Passport program booklet or by downloading the free Nebraska Passport mobile app.