Tourism development board created

The state Department of Economic Development is required to establish a tourism development board under a bill passed May 18.

LB684, introduced by Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz, establishes the Travel and Tourism Division Advisory Committee. The committee will develop a statewide strategic plan to cultivate and promote tourism in Nebraska. Contents of the plan will include:

• a comprehensive inventory of local tourism boards;
• a review of existing and potential funding sources for state and local tourism;
• criteria for local tourism boards regarding appointments and grant awards;
• an examination of other states’ tourism funding models and marketing strategies; and
• a proposal for expanding existing tourism and creating new capacities.

The department is authorized to hire a consultant to assist with the statewide strategic plan.

The committee will include at least one representative each from the state Game and Parks Commission, the Nebraska Travel Association, the Nebraska Hotel and Motel Association, the Nebraska Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and a tourism attraction that draws 2,000 or more out-of-state visitors per year.

Lawmakers passed LB684 on a 48-0 vote.