Posts by Tracie McPherson | Articles

Omaha Ranks as One of America's Best Cities

By Tracie McPherson on Jun. 27, 2017

OMAHA, NE. June 27, 2017 - Omaha has been named one of the best cities in America by Resonance Consultancy, a real estate, tourism, and economic development advisory company. During an awards ceremony in New York presented by National Geographic Travel on June 14th, the top 10 cities were announced. Omaha ranked fourth highest among 50 U.S. cities with a population of less than one million. “This ranking reflect the comments we hear consistently from our meeting attendees,” said Keith Backsen, Executive Director for Visit Omaha. “More than 12…

It's All About Baseball in Omaha

By Tracie McPherson on Jun. 13, 2017

(At least during the month of June) OMAHA, NE. June 13, 2017 – Baseball is in Omaha’s DNA and the month of June is proof. For the next several weeks Omaha will host the NCAA Men’s College World Series, and the Triple Crown SlumpBuster Youth Baseball Tournament. The College World Series takes place at Omaha’s TD Ameritrade Park, June 16th through June 28th. Opening ceremonies take place Friday night with a team parade through downtown Omaha, an autograph session for fans, and a firework-filled evening at the ballpark. The eight college teams…

An Omaha Gem is Now Officially a National Treasure

By Tracie McPherson on Jun. 07, 2017

OMAHA, NE. May 24, 2017 – One of Omaha’s historical treasures has joined an elite list. The Durham Museum was recently designated as a National Historic Landmark. The National Park Service, which oversees the landmarks program, identified the museum as “one of the most distinctive and complete examples” of art deco architecture in the country. The museum is Omaha’s former Union Station, a once bustling train depot built by Union Pacific in the late 1920s. It was one of the first art deco-style railroad stations ever built in the country…

Visit Omaha's Mackenzie Coleman Receives National Honor

By Tracie McPherson on Jun. 05, 2017

OMAHA (May 8, 2017) – Visit Omaha is proud to announce that one of its staff has received national recognition as a future leader in the tourism industry. National Sales Manager Mackenzie Coleman has been selected by Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) as one of the 2017 “30 Under 30” honorees, presented to a select few each year. “As an organization our goal is to recognize and develop young talent in the tourism industry,” said Keith Backsen, executive director for Visit Omaha. “Mackenzie is a great example of when talent…

Bob's New Exercise Plan for the Summer & Beyond

By Tracie McPherson on May 25, 2017

You Don’t Have to be IN Shape. You just have to be A shape OMAHA, NE. May 25, 2017 – Bob T. Bridge, (aka Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge) has a new way for everyone and anyone to become an official marathoner…sticker and all. Bob is 3,000 feet long, or in marathon terms a 0.9k. And yes, the decimal point is in the right place. “This is one of the few marathons you can complete with a cup of coffee in one hand and a breakfast sandwich in the other,” said Bob. Visit Omaha is behind Bob’s exercise efforts 100%. In fact, anyone who walks Bob’s 0.9k…

Visit Omaha Expands Sales Staff

By Tracie McPherson on May 16, 2017

OMAHA, NE. May 16, 2017 – Visit Omaha, the official tourism authority for the City of Omaha, is proud to announce the hiring of two new staff members. “When you hear stories from local people on how tourism impacts them, you get a real feel for what tourism looks like in Omaha, and how it impacts every one of us,” said Keith Backsen, executive director for Visit Omaha. Sue Chevalier joins Visit Omaha as a Research Analyst and Mattie Scheeter joins the team as a National Sales Manager. Sue Chevalier brings more than 35 years of experience in the…

Visit Omaha Celebrates Travel and Tourism Week

By Tracie McPherson on May 11, 2017

New Video Series Lets Locals Do the Talking OMAHA, NE. May 11, 2017 – The impact tourism has on Omaha’s economy is big, but how big? In recognition of National Travel and Tourism Week, May 7-13th, Visit Omaha has created a series of videos that showcase stories about how tourism impacts Omahans, told by local residents themselves. “When you hear stories from local people on how tourism impacts them, you get a real feel for what tourism looks like in Omaha, and how it impacts every one of us,” said Keith Backsen, executive director for Visit…

Metro Area Celebrates the Best in Tourism

By Tracie McPherson on Apr. 25, 2017

Eight Local Residents Receive Top Awards OMAHA, NE. April 24, 2017 – More than 18,000 employees work in the tourism industry in the Omaha metropolitan area. Today the best of the best were honored for their outstanding customer service. “A total of 90 employees and volunteers from local attractions, hotels, restaurants, and retail shops were nominated,” said Linda Revis, director of tourism for Sarpy County. “Only an elite eight received top honors and were presented an award during the inaugural OMA Tourism Awards.” Among the winners were…

Visit Omaha Hires Director of Communications

By Tracie McPherson on Apr. 05, 2017

Visit Omaha Hires Director of Communications OMAHA, NE. April 5, 2017 – Visit Omaha, the official tourism authority for the City of Omaha, is proud to announce Tracie McPherson as Director of Communications, a new position at the organization. As Director of Communications, McPherson will focus on generating editorial coverage of the Omaha area through work with local, national and international media as well as convention trade and travel publications. She will also work with non-traditional media such as food and lifestyle bloggers to inspire…

Omaha Hosts 2017 FEI World Cup Finals

By Tracie McPherson on Mar. 30, 2017

Omaha Hosts 2017 FEI World Cup Finals OMAHA, NE. March 30, 2017 – Olympic gold medalists, an NHL CEO, the star of one of television’s most popular shows, and the daughter of the richest man in the world will be on hand as Omaha hosts the 2017 FEI World Cup Horse Jumping and Dressage Finals from March 29th through April 2nd. In 2014, the Fédération Equestre Internationale selected Omaha over cities such as London and Hong Kong to host this year’s World Cup. Last year Göteborg, Sweden hosted the World Cup and next year it will be in Paris…