Gov. Heineman Invites Nebraskans to Explore Opportunities in Agri-Tourism

Gov. Heineman Invites Nebraskans to Explore Opportunities in Agri-Tourism

Gov. Dave Heineman is inviting Nebraska entrepreneurs interested in opportunities to promote agricultural and ecological tourism to attend the Governor's Agri-Tourism Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 29 in Kearney at the Holiday Inn, 110 2nd Ave.

"This workshop is one way we're working to expand efforts to promote Nebraska's natural beauty and rural traditions," Gov. Heineman said. "This is an opportunity for business owners in our rural communities to maximize their investments while attracting visitors and helping grow local economies."

The Governor's Agri-Tourism Workshop is the first of its kind in the state, which will explore the many aspects involved in establishing, managing and promoting unique attractions and businesses. The one-day workshop targets rural economic developers and landowners looking for ways to diversify agricultural income. The Governor will open the conference, speaking on the importance of rural economic development and tourism's role in its renaissance.

Two nationally-recognized speakers on tourism marketing will be featured as part of the workshop. Jane Eckert, CEO of Eckert AgriMarketing, will discuss the increasing interest in rural destinations among travelers with the keynote address being given by Mary Jeanne Packer, Chief Operating Officer of FERMATA, Inc. Her talk will focus on ways to make experiential tourism economically viable in small communities.

Other sessions will address business planning, insurance and property risks, recreational enterprises, travel packages and partnering, as well as marketing.

The $30 registration fee includes lunch and a copy of the new state resource manual on agricultural and ecological tourism. Registration information is available at http://www.visitnebraska.org, or by calling the Travel and Tourism Division at (877) NEBRASKA. The workshop is open to anyone interested in learning more about opportunities to develop and market Agri-Tourism attractions. Attendees are encouraged to register by Thursday, Nov. 10.

The workshop is sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and University of Nebraska Extension.

http://gov.nol.org/news/2005_10/04_agri-tourism.html