LINCOLN, NE (Nov. 5, 2015)—Nancy Giorgi of Hemingford, Nebraska, is the grand-prize winner in the 2015 Nebraska Passport Program. Giorgi will receive an Omaha Steaks Culinary Calendar package valued at over $1,000, in addition to other prizes she earned while participating in the program. Giorgi and her husband became eligible for the grand prize by traveling to all 80 of the 2015 Passport stops. The winner of the 300 Nebraska Lottery scratch tickets for this year’s Passport Program was Mary Christensen of Norfolk, Nebraska, who made it to 21 of the 80 Passport stops.
 
Nebraska Tourism’s Executive Director Kathy McKillip commented, “The Passport program is designed to encourage travelers to explore the state while making great memories with their family and friends. This year’s Passport Program featured 80 attractions on 10 themed tours throughout the state and had the highest participation in the history of the program.”
 
2015 Passport Program Statistics:

• More than 24,600 travelers participated in the program
• The average number of stops completed was 36
• Most popular stop was Baker’s Candies in Greenwood
• Participants included Nebraska residents from over 125 communities. Out of state visitors from 23 states participated, including Iowa, Utah, Texas, Wisconsin, Colorado, Pennsylvania, California and Montana

 
Travelers visited participating locations over the summer and collected stamps that could be redeemed for prizes. Participants could win t-shirts, duffle bags, gift baskets with Nebraska-made products, Nebraska Lottery scratch coupons or the grand prize of an Omaha Steaks calendar package.
 
Applications are now being accepted for the Nebraska Tourism Commission’s 2016 Passport Program. To be considered as a featured destination in the 2016 Nebraska Passport Program, go to www.nebraskapassport.com and fill out an online application before 5 pm on December 15, 2015.  Questions about participating in the program can be directed to Amanda Barker at amanda.barker@nebraska.gov or 402.326.4896.
 
Before applying, please consider that if selected your attraction/business must:
 

• Be open regular and reasonable hours (including at least one weekend day), and be staffed by friendly people who can stamp passport booklets.
• Pay a $100 participation fee to cover cost of custom stamps (no fee is necessary to apply, the fee is collected at a later date only if you are selected as a 2016 passport stop.)
• The program prohibits charging participants for admission in order to receive a stamp. Most visitors will naturally invest money in things they wish to see, buy, eat, or experience, but due to program guidelines, passport stops cannot impose purchases upon the participant.

 
To see video interviews of some of the participants who completed all 80 stops go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gPmNV5KxSM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHYRSmaE4Qs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrINf-k4UMI
 
To learn more about how the Nebraska Passport Program promotes Nebraska tourist attractions and small businesses go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdOP00DVzyE
 
For more information about travel, events and unique destinations in Nebraska, order your free travel guide today at www.VisitNebraska.com. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our Visit Nebraska Facebook page, on Twitter, on Pinterest and on YouTube.
 
The mission of the Nebraska Tourism Commission is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to www.VisitNebraska.com.