Younes Hospitality Honored with 2026 Celebrate Tourism Award

Kearney, NE - In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, Visit Kearney hosted its 9th annual Celebrate Tourism Luncheon at Younes Conference Center North. The luncheon brought together local tourism partners and community leaders to recognize the people, businesses and organizations that continue to strengthen tourism in Kearney and Buffalo County.

This year’s Celebrate Tourism Award was presented to Paul Younes and the Younes Hospitality family in recognition of their lasting impact on Kearney’s hospitality industry and their continued investment in the community.

Born in Israel, Paul came to the United States in 1972 to attend Kearney State College, where he earned a degree in business administration. His career in hospitality began as a dishwasher in a local hotel restaurant before he quickly advanced to hotel manager, setting the foundation for what
would become a remarkable career.

Together with his wife, Linda, Paul built Younes Hospitality into a successful, family-owned business, with children, spouses and extended family actively involved in daily operations. Their success is rooted in a team-first philosophy that values employees and fosters a culture of exceptional service.“Paul Younes and his family have played a transformative role in positioning Kearney as a premier destination for meetings and events,” said Sarah Focke, Director of Visit Kearney. “They have truly been visionaries in shaping our community. Their commitment has strengthened the local
economy and elevated Kearney’s reputation across the region.”

Community runs deep within Paul and Younes Hospitality - through their dedication to family, their care for employees and their ongoing investment in Kearney. From hotels and conference spaces to restaurants, event venues and new developments, Younes Hospitality has helped welcome visitors, support major events and make Kearney a better place to live, work and visit. Paul’s contributions have been widely recognized, including his induction into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame in 2013 and being named a Distinguished Nebraskalander in 2015. Despite his many accomplishments, Paul remains humble, often saying, “All our business isn’t just good for us - it’s good for Kearney, too.”

The luncheon also featured a presentation from Jenn Gjerde, the new Executive Director of Visit Nebraska, who shared the statewide impact of tourism and previewed Visit Nebraska’s new campaign, Nebraska. All Heart.

According to Visit Nebraska, tourism continues to be a major economic driver across the state, generating $4.6 billion in visitor spending, supporting more than 41,000 jobs and contributing more than $320 million in state and local taxes. Tourism-supported tax revenues save Nebraska households an estimated $392 annually.Locally, tourism continues to make a strong impact in Buffalo County, generating $174 million in visitor spending on goods and services and supporting more than 1,500 jobs.

Visit Nebraska also recognized Dakota Empfield from the Merryman Performing Arts Center with the Outstanding Frontline Employee Award during the luncheon. The award honors employees who provide exceptional service and help create positive visitor experiences in Nebraska.

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. Visit Kearney proudly joins the nationwide recognition of the tourism industry and the people who help make Kearney a welcoming
destination for visitors.

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
• 2025: Museum of Nebraska Art and Roger Jasnoch