Area's tourism potential should be fully exploited

In this era of long weekends, annual vacations and extensive travel by retirees, communities in the Golden Plains are missing a bet if they don't take steps to develop tourism attractions.

The payoff is potentially huge, with consultants estimating spending for travel and tourism in Nebraska surpasses $3 billion annually.

Many attractions and events are already in place, such as community celebrations, boating and fishing, golfing and rodeo and riding competition. But -- to fully capitalize on the tourism potential -- communities would be wise to develop a major attraction with the power to draw visitors from both near and far.

To encourage the discussion, the state's Travel and Tourism Division is sponsoring a series of regional meetings in September and October. For this part of the state, the most convenient sessions will be Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Hastings Museum, and Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Chamber of Commerce office in North Platte.

Communities throughout Southwest Nebraska should be represented. In a time when towns are struggling to find economic opportunities, tourism offers one of the most attractive development options.

Possibilities are endless. According to an article by David Hendee in this morning's Omaha World-Herald, among the ideas being explored are ghost towns, horse riding, stargazing centers and a Sandhills interpretive center.

This area has great potential, too. Among the ideas which could be developed is a center celebrating rural electrification. This is especially appropriate because of the key role that the late U.S. Sen. George W. Norris of McCook played in the development of the REA.

Other possibilities include a Pheasant Hunting Hall of Fame, a Buffalo Shrine and a Governors' and Senators' Library, honoring the governors and senators with ties to this region. Much has already been done to develop this area's tourism potential. The Norris Home, the High Plains Museum, the Great Lakes of Southwest Nebraska and outstanding area golf courses all attract a stream of visitors, as do a full slate of county fairs and community celebrations.

But much more is possible. Communities need to organize with the express intent of developing this area's tourism potential. As a starting point, it's important for area towns to be represented at the regional tourism sessions, slated Sept. 18 in Hastings and Oct. 9 in North Platte.