March Newsletter

In my role with Kansas Tourism, I often have the opportunity to give presentations about what Kansas Tourism does, why we do it, and the impact of what we do. Recently, many of these presentations have been given to groups that are a little non-traditional, in that they are not made up completely by members of the tourism industry. I have found that I enjoy sharing with folks that don’t work directly in this industry, especially when I see a light bulb come on as they begin to realize the value that tourism plays in their everyday life.  Within this industry, we often talk about how tourism is economic development and quality-of-life for residents.  These recent presentations have reminded me it is just as important to communicate that message to those outside the industry. 

To that end, I want to remind you of the resources we have on TravelKS.com to assist you in telling that story.  In the Travel Industry section, under Research and Reports, you will find annual Economic Impact Reports, a recent Visitor Profile Study, a 2021 Brand Perception Study, and tons of other important data.  This information is provided to you to assist as you share the story of why tourism matters to our state and to your community. 

Keep up the good work.  Tourism is looking very good for 2023.  I am excited to see all the great things that are happening in your communities. 

#ToTheStarsKS

Website Updates

Spring is just around the corner, and that means returning to the outdoors. We are currently updating our list of disc golf courses on TravelKS.com and need your help getting all of these locations on the site! Turns out our precious prairies have a lot of these courses popping up across the state!

Also don't forget that March is of the month of the Irish! You have less than three weeks to get your St. Patrick’s Day events on TravelKS.com. The sooner you enter these thru the Extranet, the sooner we can add them to the St. Patrick’s Day Blog! If you need assistance, please contact Hunter.

2024 Official Kansas Travel Guide

Don't miss out on an opportunity to reach thousands of people about your destination or business for a mere $100. You can find details about how to purchase a listing for the 2024 Official Kansas Travel Guide here or you can contact Andrea Etzel.

GUIDE LISTING INFORMATION

• LISTINGS DUE – March 31 - $100 (Standard) & $140 (Highlighted)
• INVOICES SENT – After April 1
• FINAL PAYMENT DUE – May 13

Don't forget if you are a DMO you get a free listing, but it still needs to be entered through the Extranet.

Tourism Industry Huddle

Join us for the next tourism industry huddle on Wednesday, March 8 at 1:00 PM.  As owner and operator of Fun Tours for more than 25 years, Brent Kalemkiarian has seen and experienced it all in the group motorcoach tour business. You'll gain plenty of that insight for your own destination and operation during this huddle.

Date:  Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Time:  1:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82036147296?pwd=VVRkbDRkdnpSQW9LQzIrS3NKSjZOUT09

Grants Closing Soon

KCAIC Mural & Public Art - Applications due Monday, March 13th.

State Park Revitalization and Investment in Notable Tourism (SPRINT) - Applications due Tuesday, March 14th.

Attraction Development Grant (ADGP) - Applications due Friday, March 31st.

Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) - Applications due Friday, March 31st. 

Kansas Tourism Regions

Have you connected with your local tourism marketing region yet? 

Webinars

• March 3 - Office of Rural Prosperity Mural Planning Webinar - 2pm
• March 7 - Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers in the Tourism Industry - 12pm
• March 8 - The State of the American Traveler Survey Findings - 10am
• March 14 - Global Meetings Industry Day: Meetings Matter, Your Engagement Matters - 12pm
• March 14 - Group Tour Tactics for Our New Reality - 12pm
• March 14 - Sustainable Tourism on a Changing Planet - 12pm

Articles & Research

• ChatGPT for Destination Marketing: Embrace it, Sometimes
• Destination Marketing Guide
• Destinations' Must-Have Tool For Short-Form Video Storytelling
• Is the Industry Ready for the Booming Older Travelers Market
• Skift Travel Megatrends 2023
• State of the Hotel Industry
• The Dolly Parton Solution to Tourism's Labor Crisis
• Tourism Advertising Finds New Value with Streaming TV
• Travel is Back Up: Here's How to Set Your Brand Apart for Consumers
• Travel Trends
• Traveler Insight Report

March

• Wed, March 8 - Virtual Huddle
• Thurs, March 30 - Global Meetings Industry Day
• Fri, March 31 - Listings Due
• Fri, March 31 - ADGP Grants Due

April

• Wed, April 12 - Virtual Huddle

May

• Fri, May 5 - Governor's Council Mtg
• May 7-13 - National Travel & Tourism Week
• Wed, May 10 - Virtual Huddle

For a full list of industry events click here.

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 Kelsey Wendling.

New & Renewing in February 2023