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Deborah Ward

Deborah Ward is the Director of Marketing/Communications for the Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau. You can contact her at (402) 444-4665 and via email at dward@visitomaha.com.

Crane Season in Omaha

New Marriott Starts to Take Flight OMAHA, NEB. – Construction cranes are on site as the new $225 million upscale urban dining and entertainment district begins to take shape near Omaha’s 250,000 sq. ft. convention center. The Capitol District will include a 14-story high-rise Marriott hotel that will anchor the new development. The 333-room full service hotel will have 20,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, including an 11,000 sq. ft. ballroom. Other features include a full-service restaurant, two bars, a Starbucks® store in the lobby…

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Visitor Spending Reaches New Milestone

Five Straight Years of Tourism Growth “If we sound like a broken record, that’s because Omaha has experienced five straight years of tourism growth,” said Keith Backsen, Executive Director of the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCVB). “What’s even better is the amount of money visitors are spending in Omaha is outpacing the national average.” According to the U.S. Travel Association, visitor spending nationwide increased 8.4% from 2012 to 2014, while in Omaha visitor spending increased 11% during that same time frame. “The research…

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Omaha Lands in More Cities

OMAHA, NEB. – Flying to Omaha, NE just got easier. Four new non-stop flights from key cities across the country make Omaha an even more inviting destination. Southwest, Alaska and Allegiant Airlines have all announced new non-stop service to Omaha. “As airlines expand service they are seeing Omaha as a key destination in the heartland,” said Keith Backsen, Executive Director of the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Omaha’s central location paired with strong passenger demand continues to increase accessibility for convention groups and…

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Bob Now has a Voice

OMAHA, NEB. - The Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB) is giving the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (Bob) a voice and a stage, sharing Bob's distinct point of view through a series of videos…

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World’s Best Zoo Brings $1 Million in New Convention Business

OMAHA, NEB. - Omaha has been selected as the site for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) 2016 Mid-Year Meeting. The meeting will bring 900 attendees and more than $1 million to Omaha next year. "We could not have booked this event without the support of Dennis Pate, Director and CEO of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium," said Cathy Keller, Director of Sales for the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCVB). "Mr. Pate's position as the current chair of the AZA and his commitment to Omaha were instrumental in Omaha landing this…

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Visitors Spend a Record $1 Billion in Omaha in 2012

OMAHA, NEB. - New economic impact research conducted by Tourism Economics shows more people are visiting Omaha and spending more in our city than ever before. In 2012, research shows 11.4 million visitors spent $1.025 billion dollars, a 13% spending increase in two years. "This research shows tourism in Omaha is growing and providing economic benefits for our city and tax relief for our citizens," said Dana Markel, executive director of the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau. "When visitors eat in our restaurants, stay in our hotels and shop…

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