“It was such an honor to have been chosen out of over 300 applications to be one of the 70 destinations to be on the Nebraska Passport Program this year,” said Elizabeth King, owner of the Rose Cottage in Wayne.
The Nebraska Passport has been "helping people enjoy travel destinations in Nebraska for over a decade."
This year the Passport will again feature 70 stops organized into 10 themed tours. Travelers will have from now through Sept. 30 to visit the attractions and collect their stamps.
According to information from the Nebraska Passport brochure, "The Nebraska Passport is a treasure map, revealing direct routes to the state's hidden gems. There's nothing like the excitement of a new adventure, and when you get a passport stamp, it's like getting a 'like' from an entire state."
“I work with Madison Johnson, of the Department of Travel and Tourism for the State of Nebraska, and at the end of each month I turn in the signatures that I have collected as a count. In return, Madison gives me the total number of digital stamps for Rose Cottage,” explains King.
“The digital stamps can be obtained by a QR code on my door or if the visitor is within a close proximity. A multiple-choice question comes up as to which sorority did I belong to when I attended Wayne State College. Even if they don’t choose the correct answer, they still get the digital stamp," she said.
Some of the total numbers will overlap, but the count is "a great indicator of the impact of the program for the community of Wayne."
With every signature that King collects, each visitor also receives a coupon book promoting area businesses in Wayne.
“Because Rose Cottage is the only destination representing Wayne, I felt that it was important to somehow promote other area businesses. So, I approached the business community and for a small investment, 18 local businesses, plus four non-profits, joined forces for a coupon book," she said.
Coupons are for such things as percentages off on purchases, free items with additional purchases and other discounts.
“The non-profit businesses included The Table, The Majestic Theatre, Dreamer’s Place and the Wayne County Museum who were included at no cost as a means to work together.
"I’ve always felt that small town businesses should compliment one another rather than compete against each other," King said.
“The number of signatures for each month as are follows: May, 126; June, 135 and July 151. Digital stamp totals are May, 366; June 358 and July, 401. If one adds up the three months of digital stamps that would equal 1,125 visitors to Wayne, America.
Just this week, a mother (wearing her 2024 Passport shirt) and her two daughters visited Rose Cottage and completed the 70 stop challenge. They have done so each of the last four years.
While in Wayne they also had the opportunity to visit Wayne State College and while there received Wayne State centennial books from the Wayne State Foundation.
“The program ends Sept. 30 and I’m anxious to see the final numbers. It’s been such a terrific opportunity to promote Rose Cottage Guest House statewide and to introduce visitors to all that Wayne has to offer. After all, you can’t have a party and not invite anyone!”
