Visit Nebraska
LINCOLN, Neb. – (September 3, 2024) - Visit Nebraska is thrilled to announce that applications are now open to be on a stop on the 2025 Nebraska Passport. All destinations in the state are welcome to apply to become a stop. Past stops have included restaurants, museums, outdoor adventures, retail stores, wineries, breweries, arts destinations and more.
The Passport program, which celebrated its 15th year in 2024, helps travelers to discover Nebraska's hidden gems, as well as benefits the 70 chosen stops through increased visitor traffic, sales and visibility.
“For the past 15 years, businesses and travelers alike have benefited from the Nebraska Passport and from showing off the state’s hidden gems," said John Ricks, Visit Nebraska executive director. "Long-time Passporters and new visitors get to make new discoveries and long-lasting memories, and our Nebraska communities continue to see the economic benefit. Everyone wins.”
Some of the requirements for Nebraska Passport stops are:
- Offer an exceptional, unique visitor experience.
- Display excellent customer service. Be available at all times to greet Passport visitors and stamp Passport booklets.
- Be open regular, reasonable, consistent hours (including at least one weekend day) during the Nebraska Passport season (May 1 to September 30). Note: Hours of operation are very important. Preference is given to destinations that have hours that are convenient for travelers.
- Keep the same hours of operation throughout the Passport season. Chosen Passport stops submit their hours in February and Passport booklets are printed in March.
- Abide by Nebraska state law that prohibits charging participants for admission in order to receive a stamp. Many tourists will naturally invest money in things they wish to see, buy, eat, or experience, but our state laws prevent us from forcing Passport participants to pay for something at each stop.
- Be a good tourism ambassador for your region. Talk to travelers about other tourism destinations, restaurants, retail stores, etc. in your area that they may be interested in visiting.
To complete the 2025 Passport application, click here. The 2025 program will run from May 1-September 30. Other information about Passport stop requirements, how the program benefits Passport stops and details about the application process can be found at https://nebraskapassport.com/becomeastop.
The application deadline is November 30, 2024. Applicants will be notified in February 2025, and the 2025 Passport stops will be announced in March. There is no fee to apply or participate. Questions about the program can be directed to [email protected].
Applying does not guarantee selection, as Visit Nebraska receives hundreds of applications annually and can only choose 70 stops. If your destination has applied before but wasn't selected, you are encouraged to try again. The selection committee considers factors like location diversity, tour themes, new experiences and broad appeal. Every application is thoroughly considered, and new opportunities may arise.
To see the exciting adventures travelers are having with the Passport this year, be sure to check out Nebraska Passport Pals.