Celebrate Tourism Awards Recognize MONA and Longtime Director Roger Jasnoch

Kearney, NE — In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the Kearney Visitors Bureau hosted its annual Celebrate Tourism Luncheon on Monday, May 5, at the newly reopened Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA). This year’s theme, The Art of Tourism, highlighted the creative energy, economic power, and community pride that tourism brings to Kearney and Buffalo County.

Two Celebrate Tourism Awards were presented this year:
• The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) was honored for its extraordinary efforts in reopening after a multi-year addition and renovation. As a cultural cornerstone in Downtown Kearney, MONA is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating Nebraska art—making it not just a local treasure, but a tourism destination that draws visitors from across the state and region, while enriching the community’s vibrant arts scene.
• Roger Jasnoch, Director of the Kearney Visitors Bureau, was surprised with the second award in recognition of his 38 years of leadership. Roger, who will retire in June, has played a transformative role in shaping Kearney into a thriving destination for events, sports, and cultural
tourism.

“Travel drives economic opportunity and strengthens our community,” said Jasnoch. “This National Travel and Tourism Week, we celebrate travel’s undeniable impact and reaffirm its importance in shaping our local economy and quality of life.”

Presentations during the luncheon included remarks from Andrew Dunehoo, Executive Director of MONA, and John Ricks, Executive Director of the Nebraska Tourism Commission. Ricks highlighted that Kearney continues to lead the state in tourism growth, noting that Buffalo County saw the highest percentage increase in lodging tax revenue among all Nebraska counties.

Local Tourism by the Numbers:
• $173.9 million in annual visitor spending
• 1,300 tourism-supported jobs
• Visitors from all 50 states and 20+ countries visited Rowe Sanctuary during the 2025 crane season
• Sports tourism contributes over $2 million annually in economic impact Nationally, the travel industry generated $2.9 trillion in economic output in 2024, supported more than 15 million jobs, and contributed $190 billion in tax revenue—equivalent to $1,490 per U.S. household.

Since its creation in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week has celebrated the value travel brings to
the U.S. economy, communities, and quality of life. This year, the Kearney Visitors Bureau proudly joins the nationwide recognition of how “Travel Powers the Economy, Builds Opportunity & Connects
America.

Past Celebrate Tourism Award Recipients:
• 2019: Craig Link and Audrey Kauders
• 2020: Gene Hunt
• 2021: Tammy Jackson
• 2022: Gregg Johnson
• 2023: Michael W. Morgan
• 2024: Dick Beechner