The state of Nebraska recently conceded that there's not a lot going on there -- particularly once you drive past Lincoln. And that's the basis of their new tourism marketing campaign:
Nebraska’s new tourism marketing campaign concedes that the state is a bit boring, yet it hopes to lure travelers by highlighting that you can escape noisy cities and create your own fun. “Nebraska Nice” is out. “Honestly, it’s not for everyone” is the new tagline in ads.
The new ad pitch, which leans on self-deprecating humor, was developed by a Colorado-based advertising agency, Vladimir Jones, after testing with out-of-staters likely to visit Nebraska.
“Lucky for you, there’s nothing to do here,” is the headline on one print advertisement that displays a smiling band of partygoers, floating down a Sand Hills stream in livestock tanks in the Nebraska-invented sport of “tanking.” “Famous for our flat, boring landscape,” proclaims another ad, which shows a couple leaping between rock formations in northwest Nebraska’s Toadstool Geologic Park. Another ad, which was popular with focus groups in Minneapolis, Kansas City and Denver, was titled “Festivals for everything from mud to testicles.” The latter refers to a Father’s Day weekend Testicle Festival, at the Round the Bend Steakhouse east of Ashland, that features deep-fried sheep and beef testicles.Apparently, Nebraska consistently ranks among the least likely states that tourists plan to visit. This new marketing campaign is an effort to shake things up and make people take notice.