State tourism director here for town hall meeting Tuesday

McCOOK, Neb. (Red Willow County Tourism) — Celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week, the Nebraska Tourism Commission in conjunction with the McCook/Red Willow County Visitors Bureau will host a town hall meeting in McCook on Tuesday, May 9 at 3:30 p.m. at the Citta’ Deli. This will be an opportunity for members of the public and the tourism industry to meet the commission’s new executive director John Ricks. The session will begin with short opening remarks, then the floor will be open for Q&A and a listening session.

“These sessions are a chance for myself, the staff and commissioners to celebrate the success of Nebraska’s third largest and exchange ideas about growing the industry in Nebraska,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director, “I’m excited to spend this week learning from industry leaders across the state. As a relatively new Nebraskan, I hope to hear more about our variety of destinations and attractions as well as provide an update on current tourism projects and goals.”

“This is an opportunity for Southwest Nebraska to showcase our tourism assets and become more aware of how we can work with the Nebraska Tourism Commission and others around the state to bring more travelers to our area,” said Carol Schlegel, McCook/Red Willow County Visitors Bureau director. Schlegel also serves as a Commissioner on the Nebraska Tourism Commission.

Citta’ Deli is a stop on the 2017 Nebraska Passport, an annual program that encourages travelers to explore the state while gathering stamps and earning great prizes. Other area locations are The Speakeasy in Holdrege and Red Willow State Recreation Area.

National Travel and Tourism Week was established by a congressional resolution in 1983, the week of events serves to champion the power of the tourism industry. Tourism professionals from across the nation work throughout the week to promote the impactful contributions travel makes to the economy. This year the U.S. Travel Association has themed the week, “the Faces of Travel,” spotlighting the millions of people who keep this industry strong.