June Newsletter

Lately I have read several articles on the importance of taking a vacation.  You would think that being in the business of encouraging people to vacation in Kansas would be enough to constantly remind me of the value in taking time off.  But as with most people, I find that I do need to be reminded to practice what I preach. There are many studies that show that taking a vacation improves your physical and mental health, it improves your outlook on life, and helps to increase your productivity and performance when you return to the office. 

So, over the last few weeks, as I was trying to schedule time off before the end of our fiscal year so I don’t lose vacation days……yes, I know there are others out there that do the same thing even when we know we shouldn’t…. I started thinking about how the knowledge of the importance of vacationing could help Kansas Tourism become better in how we market Kansas to visitors. 

I started asking myself questions such as – how can we effectively provide visitors the information they need in a more simplified manner, and what necessary information are we not easily providing as they plan their trip, and what else can we be doing to insure they have an awe-inspiring experience while in the state. If we want visitors to leave our state feeling refreshed, renewed, and rebalanced, we need to make sure that we in the tourism industry are doing everything we can to simplify their experience from trip planning to trip memories.  Positive travel experiences generate return visitors and possibly even new residents. 

I encourage you to also relook at all your marketing materials, advertising, and website through the eyes of a visitor.  And ask yourself, can potential visitors plan a trip to your town in a stress-free way.  Are the materials you provide to them effective and inspiring.  Does it give them all the information they need to have the best vacation possible.    

And just so you know, I did take a few days off last week.  And it is true what they say – relaxing and resetting is good for the soul.  I hope that you all plan to practice what you preach this summer and do some traveling….in Kansas, of course.    

#ToTheStarsKS

Andrea Etzel, editor of KANSAS! Magazine recently attended the International Regional Magazine Association (IRMA) conference. IRMA is made up of over 30 regional magazines from across the US, Canada, and Bermuda. KANSAS! has been a member of the association since 1980 and was excited to learn they were recipients of two awards and for the second year in a row KANSAS! was the finalist for Magazine of the Year. If you'd like to subscribe to KANSAS! Magazine, click here.

Tourism Industry Huddle

Join us on Wednesday, June 14 at 1:00 PM for the next tourism industry Huddle.  This Huddle will include an update from the Kansas Department of Education on the Sunflower Summer program and an update from the Kansas Historical Society on the status of the Museum remodel and the statewide historic sites. 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84005085433?pwd=OXFVQ1c3UVpveC9LTm0zUVppZFdMZz09

Tourism Marketing Grants

Are you looking for a new way to promote your area, business or event? Be sure to check out our Tourism Marketing Grant on how we can assist you! The application round is now open and has a deadline of August 1st, with awardees announced in September.  For questions contact Carrie.

Explore Kansas Booth Opportunity

Wanting to advertise your destination or business at the Kansas State Fair and don’t have the way to make all 10 days? Participate in the Explore Kansas area and rent a booth for $200 which will be in the newly air-conditioned Oz Gallery on September 16th & 17th. You are able to advertise and sell products! If you are interested, please reach out to Tina Evans at Kristina.evans@ks.gov or call 620-669-3624.  Deadline is July 1st to register!

Marketing Updates

Yee Haw!  It's that time of year for rodeos and other summer events happening in your communities.  We want to help promote these for you.  All you have to do is enter these thru the Extranet as an event and we will take care of the rest.  If you need help please contact Hunter for more information.

Kansas Tourism Regions

Have you connected with your local tourism marketing region yet? 

Webinars

• June 28 - Investment Strategies for Thriving Downtowns - 10am

Articles & Research

• 5 Creative Market Activations Driving Consumer Engagement
• 5 great ways to boost your paid social strategy
• 7 hot trends for travelers
• 8 DMO marketers share their digital marketing must-haves
• A growing influencer class attracts a larger piece of destination marketing
• ESports Events Providing Destinations a Younger Demographic
• NTA Tour Operator Survey Results
• Snap Says Friends and Family Are the ‘Real’ Travel Influencers

June

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

July

• Tues, July 4 - State Offices Closed
• Wed, July 12 - Virtual Huddle

August

• Tues, Aug 1 - Marketing Grants Due
• Fri, Aug 4 - Governor's Council Mtg
• Wed, Aug 9 - Virtual Huddle
• Wed, Aug 30 - Media Event

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 May 2023