May Newsletter

Happy National Travel and Tourism Week from Kansas Tourism!

The tradition of National Travel and Tourism Week was first celebrated in 1984, while during a a White House ceremony, President Ronald Reagan signed a Presidential Proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with "the appropriate ceremonies and activities." This annual event was designed to honor the strength and resiliency of the people in the travel industry.

The theme of #NTTW21 is “The Power of Travel” and I can’t think of better words to convey the importance of the traveling public to our Kansas economy.

This week, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come in the past year in the face of a global crisis. No, it has not been easy, and yes, we still have far to go for our industry to fully recover. But I am confident that that we are moving in the right direction.

Make sure that you check out the resources that Kansas Tourism has provided for you to share with your local community leaders on the Power of Travel. This week is a great opportunity to remind those you report to on the value that tourism brings.

We at Kansas Tourism applaud each and every one of you for your strength, your resiliency, and your never-ending enthusiasm for promoting our great state. I encourage you to celebrate this week with all “the appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

To The Stars.

2022 Kansas Travel Guide

Would you like the ability to reach thousands of people about your destination or business for a mere $80? Be sure to purchase a listing (like below) in the 2022 Kansas Travel Guide.  The early bird discount deadline is May 31st.  You can find details about how to purchase your listing here or contact Andrea Etzel.

**Thanks to all of you that have submitted your listings so far (250!).  Also because of our upcoming move to Department of Commerce, please make sure your checks are made out to Kansas Tourism.**

Grants & Funding

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has successfully reopened the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal. Learn more on programs details, eligibility and how to apply.

The SBA has also opened the Restaurant Revitalization Fund application portal. This fund provides $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other food establishments hardest hit by the pandemic. The SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance—details are provided here or you can join this webinar on May 5th at 9am for more information. 

SBA also rolled out a new round of Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grants—known as Supplemental Targeted EIDL Advances—providing up to an additional $5,000 per applicant for small businesses located in a low-income community with 10 employees or less and at least a 50% decline in revenue. The SBA will reach out to eligible businesses to invite them to apply. For more information, please see program details and refer to this updated EIDL fact sheet.

Kansas Tourism Regions

Have you connected with your local tourism marketing regions yet? 

Learn more about the regions →

Webinars

• May 5 - Better Strategy Starts With Better Data - 12PM 
• May 12 - Kansas Tourism Industry Virtual Huddle - Sponsored by Kansas Tourism & TIAK
• May 20 - The State of the American Traveler: Technology Edition - 2PM
• May 25 - Building Resilience & Reimaging Tourism - 1PM

Articles & Research

• Check out these Free Tools to have in your content marketing toolbelt. 
• Tune in or subscribe to this new podcast for destination marketers.
• Find out why destination marketers need passionography.
• Four things travel marketers are doing to prepare for the return of travel.
• The 2021 Guide to Digital Marketing for Hotels & Venues.

May

• Friday, May 7 - Governor's Council on Travel & Tourism Mtg
• Wednesday, May 12 - Virtual Huddle

June

• Wednesday, June 9 - Virtual Huddle
• Friday, June 18 - Travel Guide Listings Deadline
• Monday, June 28 - Moving Week to Dept of Commerce

July

• Thursday, July 1 - First Day in Dept of Commerce
• Wednesday, Jul 14 - Virtual Huddle

We are continuously getting new and renewing Kansas Agritourism businesses that we'd love for you to explore and highlight in your own communities! For more information on the Kansas Agritourism Program, please contact Sue Stringer.

New & Renewing in April 2021