Creation of Nebraska Tourism Commission advances

A bill relating to toursim advanced from general file March 20.

LB1053, introduced by Ellsworth Sen. LeRoy Louden, would create the Nebraska Tourism Commission. All powers and duties currently held by the travel and tourism division of the state Department of Economic Development would be transferred to the newly formed commission.

“Travel and tourism is an important part of the Nebraska economy,” Louden said. “It’s time for the industry to have its own commission to coordinate tourism projects statewide.”

The commission would consist of one representative from each of the state’s tourism regions. Members would be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature. All current employees of the travel and tourism division would become employees of the commission.

Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz supported the bill, saying a tourism commission would be able to focus on bringing more visitors to the state.

“People want to come to Nebraska,” Schilz said. “We just have to show them where to go and provide the opportunities.”

Senators advanced the bill to select file on a 31-1 vote.