SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (KNEP) – It’s National Tourism Week and this year’s theme is the Power of Travel. After a tough year local officials are looking to rebuild the tourism workforce and reconnect visitors with panhandle destinations.
“People are wanting travels guides they are wanting information on Western Nebraska,” said Brenda Leicy Director Scottsbluff Area Visitors Bureau. “I think our rebound is going to be very wonderful.”
“It’s so important for us to network it is so important for us to be together and continue to help each other past last year,” said Leicy. “Help each other brainstorm ways where we can add special little touches to travel so that people will want to come hear and send other people here. It’s very important to have those relationships”
Tourism officials said businesses suffered last year and they did their best to encourage them in tough times.
“They we’re struggling,” said Karla Niedan-Streeks Executive Director of Gering Visitors Bureau. “You know there wasn’t a lot we could do or say to help them other than to try be encouraging and say let’s plan for when things get better what can we do to hold on and keep our employees that we can and most importantly look ahead.”
“We have great product and we are willing and ready to share and ready to share that with the world,” said Niedan-Streeks. “I am very excited National Tourism Week is the kickoff to what is going to be an incredible summer and the next year is just going to be positive for our industry.”
Tourism officials said National Tourism Week is a way for the community to say thank you to those local tourism partners, elected officials and all the stake holders that make up the tourism industry.
