May Newsletter

May 7-13, 2023 is National Travel and Tourism week.  This is a week set aside for all of us in the tourism industry to recognize the impact that travel has on our community, state, and nation.  For me personally, if there is one positive thing that came out of the recent pandemic, it was the reminder of the value and importance that travel has on our economy and on our personal well-being.  To have a strong economy, we need people to move around, to go new places and spend money while they are there.  And in our personal lives, we need to travel to keep ourselves healthy physically and mentally, and to broaden our thinking and understanding of the world in which we live.   The travel and tourism industry makes a positive difference in our economy and in our lives.   

Last week, along with several members of the Governor’s Council on Travel and Tourism, I was able to attend a proclamation signing with Governor Kelly, proclaiming May 7-13 as National Travel and Tourism Week in Kansas.  I wanted to share with you the words from the proclamation – as I think these statements speak loudly as to why this week is so important for us to recognize. 

Proclamation By The Governor

TO THE PEOPLE OF KANSAS, GREETINGS

WHEREAS, travel has a positive effect on Kansas and the nation’s economic prosperity, supporting more than 60,300 jobs; and

WHEREAS, the travel and tourism industry fuels every industry and will continue to be an essential part of Kansas’ economy, development, and workforce; and

WHEREAS, travel is an economic-driver for every community across the state, with $11.2 billion in direct and indirect spending, including $7 billion spent directly by travelers; and

WHEREAS, tourism spending supports vibrant and safe communities in Kansas by generating $700 million in state and local tax revenue to support essential services, such as education, emergency response, public safety and more; and

WHEREAS, travel and tourism enables success for all industries – including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare and more – by driving sales growth, encouraging innovation, education and operations that move our economy, our nation and Kansas forward; and

WHEREAS, the travel and tourism industry is the heartbeat of Kansas communities and businesses, inviting visitors from around the globe to enjoy the experiences that only Kansas can offer; and

WHEREAS, welcoming visitors from near and far has always been, and always will be, the enduring spirit of the travel industry and Kansas. 

NOW THEREFORE, I, Laura Kelly, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF KANSAS, do hereby proclaim May 7-13, 2023 as National Travel and Tourism Week in the state of Kansas and I urge all citizens to join in this observation.

The last two Whereas statements are my favorites…in fact I get a little choked up every time I read them. The travel industry IS the heartbeat of Kansas. 

I wish you a very happy National Travel and Tourism Week.  

#ToTheStarsKS

Members of the Governor’s Council on Travel and Tourism in attendance for the proclamation signing for National Travel and Tourism Week. Left to Right: Mimi Meredith, Cosmosphere; Karen Hibbard, Chair Council on Travel and Tourism: Suzan Barnes, Grand Central Hotel; Rep Ken Corbet; Governor Laura Kelly; Sen Mary Ware; Bridgette Jobe, Kansas Tourism Director

Forty years ago, the tradition of National Travel and Tourism Week was first celebrated when 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.

Join us in celebrating as we keep moving #TravelForward for National Travel & Tourism Week 2023! Make sure that you check out the toolkit that we have provided for you to help convey the importance of the traveling public to our Kansas economy. Be sure to also check out the resources that U.S. Travel Association has provided for you as well. This 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. 

Tourism Industry Huddle

Join us on Wednesday, May 10 at 1:00 PM for the next tourism industry Huddle.  This Huddle will include an update from the Kansas State Fair explaining ways you can be involved and the enhancements to the 2023 fair.  Also, TIAK will present a very important end of session legislative update including issues that affect the tourism industry.   

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89501350400?pwd=ZytOVE9vQkpTdVhYNy8xMFN2MndaQT09

Economic Impact

Travelers in the United States spent $1.2 trillion in 2022, which produced an economic footprint of $2.6 trillion. New resources and data available:

• Interactive: Economic Impact Map
• 2022 State of the Travel Industry Report
• 2022 Answer Sheet (National data)
• Blog: The Travel Industry’s Vital Role in Bolstering Our Economy

The complete 2022 Economic Impact of Travel in Kansas report will be available this fall. If you are interested in purchasing a city or county level tourism economic impact study that includes comprehensive analysis of sales, production, employment, growth, visitor spending, and taxes, please contact Carrie Doud. 

2024 Official Kansas Travel Guide

Thank you to everyone who bought a listing for the 2024 Kansas Travel Guide.  Invoices have been sent out and will need to be paid by Wednesday, May 31st. If you missed the deadline for listings you still have time to purchase a display ad. Details and deadlines, can be found on the rate sheet. For more information, questions or to reserve your space, please contact Kim Sommerfeldt at Midwest Living.

Kansas Tourism Regions

Have you connected with your local tourism marketing region yet? 

Webinars

• May 10 - State of the American Traveler Survey Findings: May 2023 - 10am
• May 23 - How Tourism Ambassadors Can Bridge the Gap Between Locals & Visitors - 12pm

Articles & Research

• 5 Ways DMOs Can Do Better for DEI in the Meetings Industry
• 7 Ways to Help Your Hotel Become the Focal Point for a Fun Itinerary
• 10 Tips for Creating Engaging On-Demand Video Content
• How DMOs Can Effectively Handle Email Subscription Management
• Marketing Trend Report
• Proposals: What Event Owners Want & What Potential Hosts Should Provide
• Sports Tourism: What Does It Mean for You and Your Community? 
• Top 7 Metrics to Pay Attention to in Google Analytics
• Why Search Advertising is the Best Tool in a Small Destination's Marketing Toolkit

May

• May 7-13 - National Travel & Tourism Week
• Wed, May 10 - Virtual Huddle

June

• Thurs, June 1 - Marketing Grants Open
• Wed, June 14 - Virtual Huddle

July

• Wed, July 12 - 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 April 2023