Good news this month for Lincoln and the State of Nebraska. The State’s Tourism Commission published its latest findings on the financial impact of visitors traveling to our state and the numbers confirm our anecdotal evidence that travel and tourism is a booming business.
The published findings show total spending by visitors to Nebraska in 2012 was $3.1 billion. Those figures are up 6.3 percent over 2011. Half of that total came from people staying in overnight lodging facilities. Visitors that stayed with family or friends and day travelers to the state accounted for the other half equally. The study also shows the travel and tourism industry generated 36,100 jobs within our state.
Locally, our trends back up the state-wide findings. Lodging taxes collected have risen nearly 25 percent in the past three years, putting the number at an all-time high for Lancaster County.
A good sign for Lincoln is that we, as a community, have been able to accomplish this growth even before we open a new arena in the West Haymarket. Hotel room bookings and travel to Lincoln will push even higher once the Pinnacle Bank Arena is operating at full capacity.
However, don’t forget, the arena is only one part of what brings visitors to Lincoln. The Convention and Visitors Bureau works hard with our partners at Lincoln’s hotels and attractions to bring in different events and keep tourism humming year-round. For example, this week we welcome the National Amputee Golf Championships to Lincoln. The event will bring more than 100 competitors and their families to Lincoln for a four-day period. Another example is the Lincoln Marathon every spring. That event attracts thousands of runners from across the United States every year. And it’s still growing!
It’s safe to say we are on a good path for bringing travel and tourism related dollars to Lincoln. With a continued commitment from the City, Lancaster County, and you, our community can achieve the goal of becoming Nebraska’s greatest attraction.
Let me close with an update on some new faces around our Chamber offices. Pat Haverty is the new Vice President for Economic Development and Kristin Holmes is our new Membership Director. Pat was already of member of our staff prior to his promotion to Vice President. He had worked as the Director of our Business Expansion and Retention program. Pat gained his previous economic development experience as the City Administrator for Nebraska City. In that position, he oversaw the city’s economic development efforts. Kristin previously worked for the Chamber selling memberships and visiting with members about renewals. She left to pursue other sales opportunities, but now returns as the Director of Membership. Previous Membership Director Paul Miloni as recruited by the Charleston, South Carolina to head-up their recruitment program.
Both Pat and Kristin are already making an impact in their new roles. If you have questions about the Lincoln Chamber or the Lincoln Partnership, feel free to contact Pat, Kristin, or any member of our staff. We are proud to serve you.
The Chamber’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. Networking opportunities, business advocacy, and creating economic viability are critical to our success. We encourage you to become a member and help us achieve these goals for Lincoln. For more information, please contact Paul 436-2350.
by Wendy Birdsall, President
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
402.436.2350