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Home , Buffalo Bill Ranch, Champion Mill (Nebraska), Fort Atkinson (Nebraska), Fort Kearny, Massacre Canyon, Rock Creek Station

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE TOURISM DIRECTORS STATE TRAVEL COUNSELOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM EXAM

TEST A

ANSWERS

2014 Travel Season

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Name: ______ANSWERS______Score: ______

E-mail Address: ______

To become a certified state travel counselor through the U.S Travel Association’s National Council of State Tourism Directors, applicants must take and pass this certification exam with a minimum score of 85%. This exam consists of 100 questions.

Nebraska Geography (23 questions)

1. Approximately how many square miles are in ? A. 77,000 B. 72,500 C. 79,000 D. 81,250

2. What are Nebraska’s two largest cities? Omaha and Lincoln

3. Approximately how many lakes are in Nebraska? A. 2,500 B. 1,750 C. 2,000 D. 2,900

4. Name the six states that border Nebraska? , , Missouri, , Colorado, Wyoming

5. The at Halsey is the world’s largest hand-planted forest. True False

6. The time zone change occurs between which two exits on Interstate 80? A. Sutherland/Roscoe B. Hershey/Brady C. Sutherland/Paxton D. Brady/Maxwell

7. What and where is Nebraska’s highest point? Panorama Point, Kimball County

8. Identify the area of the state generally known as the . and Central Nebraska

9. Nebraska has more miles of rivers than any other U.S. state? True False

10. Which two Nebraska counties are named after animals? Antelope, Buffalo

11. Which Nebraska community lies equidistant between Boston and San Francisco? A. Grand Island B. Kearney C. Hastings D. Lexington

12. What is the largest body of water in Nebraska? Lake McConaughy

13. Name four Nebraska state historical parks. , Ash Hollow, Arbor Lodge, Bowring Ranch, Ranch, , , Fort Hartsuff, ,

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14. Name three kinds of trails in Nebraska. Cowboy, recreational, water, horse, motorized, historic, state park, byways, etc.

15. Approximately how many miles of highway make up Nebraska’s state highway system? A. 10,000 B. 11,255 C. 9,960 D. 14,550

16. Which section of highway is designated as Nebraska’s “Purple Heart Memorial Highway?” Interstate 80 intersection with US Highway 34

17. Where is “Purple Heart Bridge” located? Omaha (S. 108th Street bridge over I-80)

18. How many locations in Nebraska are included in the National Register of Historic Places? A. 1,150 B. 1,037 C. 2,800 D. 1,520

19. How many national natural landmarks are in Nebraska? A. 10 B. 3 C. 7 D. 5

20. What area of Nebraska is referred to as Frontier Trails Region? Central (South Central)

21. What area of Nebraska is referred to as Prairie Lakes Region? Southwest

22. Name at least two outdoor opportunities in Prairie Lakes Region. Lake McConaughy, Massacre Canyon Monument and Visitor Center, Dancing Leaf Earth Lodge, golfing, hunting, boating, fishing, Bald Eagle Viewing Center (below Kingsley Dam), wildlife viewing and photography, and vineyard tours

23. What area of Nebraska is referred to as Sandhills Region? North Central

Nebraska History and Culture (22 questions)

1. In which year did Nebraska become the 37th U.S. state? A. 1867 B. 1865 C. 1871 D. 1892

2. What is the Nebraska state motto? “Equity before the law”

3. Which U.S. President was born in Omaha? A. Jimmy Carter B. Gerald R. Ford C. Dwight D. Eisenhower D. Lyndon B. Johnson

4. In 1895, what was Nebraska’s original state nickname? Tree Planter’s State

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5. When was Nebraska’s official state name changed to the Cornhusker State? A. 1912 B. 1930 C. 1945 D. 1955

6. Chimney Rock was the most frequently mentioned landmark in journal entries of travelers along the . True False

7. Who was Nebraska’s first governor? David Butler

8. What makes Nebraska’s Legislature unique? It is the country’s only non-partisan, unicameral Legislature.

9. What is the origin of the state’s name (Nebraska)? Oto Indian word, Nebrathka, meaning “flat water.”

10. What is the state flower? Goldenrod

11. During WWII, which Nebraska community supplied 40 percent of the war’s ammunition? A. Omaha B. Hastings C. McCook D. Antioch E. Kearney

12. What is the state insect? Honeybee

13. In which military fort was Chief fatally wounded in September 1877?

14. Where is the world’s largest limestone deposit and producer? A. Harrison B. Weeping Water C. Superior D. Ashland

15. Who founded Boys Town in Omaha in 1917? Father (Edward) Flanagan

16. What is the state beverage? Milk

17. What is the state soft drink, which also was invented in Nebraska? Kool-Aid

18. What is the state American folk dance? Square Dance

19. What is the state song? Beautiful Nebraska

20. When did Omaha begin hosting the College World Series? A. 1940 B. 1950 C. 1980 D. 1990

21. How long is the College World Series contracted to remain in Omaha? A. 2020 B. 2035 C. 2040 D. 2045

22. What popular canned meat is produced in Fremont? Spam 5

Economic Impact of Nebraska’s Travel Industry (9 questions)

1. On average each year, how much do travelers spend on trips with overnight stays (in paid accommodations) and on day trips to places 100 miles or more from home? A. $7.5 million B. $4 billion C. $5.7 billion D. $1.8 billion

2. Annual spending on trips to places 100 miles or more from home has increased by approximately how much since 1990? A. $2.3 billion B. $7.3 million C. $16.9 million D. $5 billion

3. Approximately how many Nebraska jobs are directly attributed to travel and tourism? A. 29,850 B. 77,654 C. 45,600 D. 35,550

4. In terms of revenue generated, where does the travel and tourism industry rank in the state? A. First B. Second C. Third D. Fourth

5. Each dollar spent by tourists in Nebraska is re-spent in the state to produce an additional _____ in business and income. A. $2.45 B. $1.70 C. $5.50 D. $2.15

6. The Nebraska Tourism Commission’s primary source of revenue for marketing and operations is a one- percent lodging tax. True False

7. Less than one-half of Nebraska’s counties collect a state lodging tax in addition to the required one percent lodging tax. True False

8. What is the Nebraska Tourism Commission’s average annual budget? A. $1-2 million B. $4-6 million C. $10-15 million D. More than $20 million

9. The Nebraska Tourism Commission’s two primary marketing pieces are the Nebraska Travel Guide and co- op advertising in regional and national magazines. True False

Nebraska Attractions (17 questions)

1. What venue hosts the NCAA Men’s College World Series? In which city is it located? TD Ameritrade Park, Omaha

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2. Name five Nebraska state parks. Chadron, Eugene T. Mahoney, Fort Robinson, Indian Cave, Niobrara, , , and

3. Which famous Nebraska landmark stands more than 4,000 feet above sea level, is a national historic site, and was the most documented landmark along the Oregon Trail? Chimney Rock National Historic Site

4. Which museum in Kearney transports its visitors back in time to an era of covered wagons and westward expansion? Archway

5. What is Nebraska’s number one attraction, is home to the world’s largest glazed geodesic dome, and has been visited by more than 25 million visitors in the past 40 years? Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

6. Which Nebraska state park is open year-round and is the second most-visited park in the state? Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

7. Which Nebraska region sits atop the Ogallala Aquifer; has retained up to 85% of its unique, natural eco- region habitat; and is along the Sandhill crane migration path each March? Sandhills

8. Which attraction near Ashland has one of the top collections of aircraft, missile, and space vehicles in the country? Strategic Air & Space Museum (SAC Museum)

9. Which Nebraska state park near Royal lets its visitors explore fossils that are more than 12 million years old? Ashfalls Fossil Beds State Historic Park

10. Formerly known as Union Station, which Omaha museum attracts thousands of visitors and offers a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits? The Durham Museum

11. Which attraction south of York explores the history of farming and rural life from the 1920’s to today? Wessel’s Living History Farm

12. Where is the world’s largest porch swing? A. Nebraska City B. Hebron C. Minden D. Chadron E. Ogallala

13. Where is the world’s largest hand-planted forest? A. Nebraska City B. Halsey C. Valentine D. Chadron E. Scottsbluff

14. Name at least two outdoor recreational opportunities in Nebraska’s Panhandle Region. Scottsbluff National Monument, Pine Ridge Region, State Recreation Area, Crescent Lake , state parks, golfing, hunting, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing and photography, and vineyard tours

15. Name at least two outdoor recreational opportunities in Sandhills Region. Smith Falls State Park, Calamus Reservoir, tanking, tubing, Niobrara National Scenic River, guest ranches, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, and the 7

16. Name as least two outdoor recreational opportunities in Frontier Trails Region. Sandhill cranes migration, Platte River, Harlan County Lake, Island Oasis Water Park, Motorsport Park Hastings, Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center, Stolley Park, Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, and Cedar Run ATV Trail

17. Name at least two outdoor recreational opportunities in Metro Region. Linoma Beach, Bryson’s Airboat Tours, Fremont Lakes, Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge, Aksarben Aquarium Outdoor Education Center, and Lincoln’s Sunken Gardens

Traveler Safety (16 questions)

1. Briefly explain Nebraska’s child restraint law. All children up to age six must ride correctly secured in a federally-approved child safety seat. Children ages six up to age eighteen must ride secured in a safety belt or child safety seat. Children up to age eighteen are prohibited from riding in cargo areas. Childcare providers must transport all children securely in an appropriate safety seat or safety belt. Drivers and front seat passengers are required to ride buckled up in a safety belt or child safety seat.

2. What is the total vehicle length (in feet) allowed on Nebraska roadways? A. 65 B. 75 C. 80 D. 60

3. Motorcycle operators and passengers are required to wear a helmet in Nebraska. True False

4. Briefly explain Nebraska’s seat belt law. Seat belts are required for adults in the front seat and for children 6-18 in all seats of the vehicle

5. What organization provides teen driver education courses and driver training courses? A. Nebraska Safety Council B. Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles C. Nebraska State Patrol D. Nebraska Department of Roads

6. Give a minimum of three safety equipment recommendations that the Nebraska Department of Roads recommends should be present on all bicycles. Working brakes, red reflector on the rear, light on the front, side reflectors, reflectors on pedals (or shoes)

7. Give four tips that the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission suggests to avoid deer-vehicle collisions? Be alert for deer at all times, especially during dusk and dawn. Reduce speed at night and be prepared to stop suddenly. If you see one deer, expect to see others. Stay on the road and strike the animal. Do not swerve or leave the roadway and collide with a roadside object and do not cross the centerline. Expect more deer near deer crossing signs. Honk your horn or flash your headlights to frighten the deer away. Search and scan the roadway and roadside ahead. Keep your windshield clean. Buckle your seatbelt. Stay sober. Keep your headlights properly adjusted. Use your high beams where possible.

8. Briefly explain how Nebraska’s texting and driving laws are enforced? Fine: $200 (first offense), $300 (second offense) or $500 (for subsequent offenses) plus 3 points against the driver’s license. Nebraska’s text messaging and cell phone laws are considered “secondary” laws. A secondary law refers to the fact that an officer can only pull you over and issue a ticket if the officer has witnessed some other violation.

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9. Which state agency offers hunter education classes (such as firearm and bow hunting)? A. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission B. Nebraska Tourism Commission C. Nebraska Safety Council D. Nebraska Wildlife Commission

10. According to the Nebraska Department of Roads, the chance of death or serious injury _____ for every 10 mph over 50 mph a vehicle travels. A. Doubles B. Triples C. Stays the same D. None of the above

11. Give one telephone number that travelers can call for travel information in Nebraska. Tourism Commission, 511, local tourism entities

12. Are travelers allowed to camp or overnight at the rest areas along Interstate 80? Yes No

13. Drivers are required to slow down or move to the other lane when passing stopped or emergency vehicles on the road shoulder. True False

14. Which three months account for more than 75% of tornado activity in Nebraska? A. March, April, May B. April, May, June C. June, July, August D. May, June, July

15. During which times of day are deer most active? A. Night B. Dawn and dusk C. Dawn D. Afternoon

16. How many tornados does Nebraska average a year? A. 39 B. 144 C. 44 D. 17

Directional Information (3 questions)

1. Between which months are travelers permitted to use studded snow tires on their vehicles? A. November through March B. December through February C. September through March D. September through February

2. Give clear directions from your house to the nearest hospital. Responses will vary.

3. Interstate highways with even numbers go north and south, and those with odd numbers go east and west. True False

Customer Service (5 questions)

1. Body language and facial expressions convey our attitude toward visitors. True False 9

2. Describe your process for setting and achieving your goals. Responses will vary. Identify areas where you would like to set goals (life, career, education, etc.). Write a goal statement that focuses on observable and measurable performance. Include a timeframe for completion. Determine measures of success so that you’ll know when a goal has been reached. Develop a specific action plan that includes what you need to do to reach your goal. Identify any outside resources that you’ll need to reach your goal.

3. How would you define great customer service? Responses will vary. Good customer service basically means giving the customer what he or she wants in a friendly and engaging manner. Good customer service means that customers will continue to patronize your business, refer their friends and family to your business, resulting in more profit for your business.

4. During the first few seconds of a conversation, a good counselor should be able to identify which two traveler’s primary needs? A. Origin and destination B. Needs and desires C. Name and age D. Budget and attitude

5. What is your favorite Nebraska attraction? Why? Responses will vary.

Lodging (5 questions)

1. Approximately how many lodging facilities are located in Nebraska (hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts)? A. 700 B. 850 C. 425 D. 1,050

2. Approximately how many guest ranches are located in Nebraska? A. 72 B. 88 C. 147 D. 54

3. Approximately how many campgrounds are located in Nebraska? A. 422 B. 378 C. 290 D. 255

4. Where are two places where travelers can make lodging reservations in Nebraska’s state parks? Call the NGPC reservation hotline or go to outdoornebraska.org.

5. What is the camping reservation fee in Nebraska state parks? A. $12 B. $7 C. $10 D. $5

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Supplemental Questions for the Travel Counselors Exam 2014 Travel Season

1. Which agency publishes the official Nebraska Travel Guide? A. Nebraska Department of Roads B. Nebraska Department of Economic Development C. Nebraska Tourism Commission D. Nebraska Travel Association

2. The role of a travel counselor is to: A. Influence travelers to stay longer in Nebraska B. Answer travelers’ questions C. Encourage visitors to spend time and money in Nebraska D. All the above

3. Travel Counselors should always be aware of severe weather alerts. True False

4. Who do travel counselors call to order additional pieces of local travel information? A. Nebraska Travel Association B. Individual tourism entities (communities, attractions, etc.) C. Magazine and brochure publishers D. Nebraska Tourism Commission

5. Travel counselors should call emergency 911 if they feel threatened or unsafe while on duty. True False

6. Travel counselors are responsible for mailing their time sheets in on time each pay period. True False

7. If travel counselors are unable to make it to work, they should: A. Find another travel counselor to cover their shift B. Do nothing C. Notify the travel counselor program coordinator D. Close the center E. A and C F. C and D

8. Travel counselors are required to maintain an accurate brochure inventory each month. True False

9. If travel counselors are unsure who to contact, they should contact the program coordinator. True False

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10. While on duty, all travel counselors must wear: A. The official travel counselor uniform (red shirt and name tag) B. Shirts given to them by individual communities, attractions, etc. C. White shirt and name tag D. A and B E. A and C

11. Travel counselors are permitted to let travelers use phones in the facilities for emergency calls. True False

12. Memos, notices, correspondences, etc. occurring between counselors should be written down in the log book. True False

13. Travel counselors’ primary jobs are to clean the facilities where they’re working. True False

14. At the beginning of their shift, travel counselors should: A. Check the log book for notes from the previous day B. Check inventory to make sure everything’s well stocked C. Make sure that their area is clean and inviting D. All the above

15. A severe thunderstorm or tornado watch means that: A. A severe thunderstorm or tornado has been spotted B. Conditions are right for this type of weather

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