Tourism and travel industries sailed to new heights at Western Nebraska Regional Airport’s Donald E. Overman Terminal Tuesday, May 5 as Brenda Leisy, director of the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau, celebrated the contributions of regional airports to communities making them a desirable destination for travelers.
During her address, Leisy commended the airport board and staff members’ efforts to further the efforts to
boost tourism. “
Regional airports, especially when combined with neighboring industrial business or technology park, can be valuable assets in overall regional economic development of which tourism development is an important part,” Leisy said.
“We take this opportunity to thank the Western Nebraska Regional Airport staff and board of directors for working so hard to make our airport a great place for developers, business partners and pleasure travelers,” Leisy said before she and Karla Niedan-Streeks, tugged down the black draping revealing a mural in which a family is enjoying an outing at the Wildcat Hills. The new addition to the airport will greet visitors as they enter our community, displayed above the baggage claim carousel, said Leisy.
The artwork, a photograph, received high praise from Donald Overman, chairman of the airport board.
“It’s a well done piece of art work. When people arrive at the airport this is the first impression they get of our city and our area and this just adds to that. It helps visitors know that we appreciate them being here. I think this [art] makes a great addition.”
The mural is a cooperative venture by graphic artist Jessie Cozad and photographer Paul Anthony. The event at the airport was part of an annual recognition of the tourism and travel industry by convention and visitors bureaus nationwide that recognize travel and tourism as a revenue generator and job provider, hosting special events to commemorate National Tourism Week throughout the week of May 4-10.
“National Travel and Tourism Week champions the power of travel and tourism across the nation. Locally, it is an opportunity to celebrate how the tourism industry contributes to the local economies, business development, employment and overall quality of life in Gering, Scottsbluff, Terrytown and Scotts Bluff County,” Leisy said.