December Newsletter

December is an interesting time of year to me.  It’s this mix of looking back at the year gone by and gearing up for what’s next.  My word of the year for 2023 was Simplify.  I chose that word to specifically remind me to not make things harder than they need to be, and to work on eliminating unnecessary objects or clutter so that the important things could shine.  The intent was to clear my way to focus on what really matters. 

I will be honest with you.  It wasn’t all smooth sailing. I tried to keep my desk organized, but as I write this, it’s a mess.  And a couple of my closets at home are still waiting for that cleanup.  And yes, I still pretty much overthink everything.  I did manage to organize a couple of my closets, and my desk has a somewhat improved filing system for the important stuff.  It’s not perfect, but at least I’m moving in the right direction.  Because, honestly, isn’t that the whole point? 

It’s too easy to get caught up in what we didn’t get done instead of focusing on the good stuff.  My wish for you, and me, is this December is to jot down all the good things we did for the tourism industry this year.  Look at the wins – big and small.  Appreciate the progress, even if it’s not exactly what we always planned.  Because we are definitely moving in the right direction. 

I hope you all have a wonderful December and holiday season.  I can’t wait for all the great things we are going to do together in 2024. 

To The Stars,

Travel Guide & Website Updates

The 2024 Kansas Travel Guides are now available so that means it's almost time to start working on the 2025 Kansas Travel Guide listings! This is a good time to add/update/delete tourism businesses for TravelKS.com so your listings are current. Contact Kelli if you need help or would like for her to come to your office for further training on the Extranet.

We have recently added a Google Translate feature (top righthand corner) to TravelKS.com that allows users to translate text to hundreds of languages from around the globe. Be sure to check out this great new feature and experiment with the Audio Eye extension (bottom righthand corner), as well. These features are making Kansas travel inspiration inclusive and accessible for all!

Also don't forget to load your coupons and deals on TravelKS.com. We will be doing some promotions that you won't want to miss out on! Add your coupons thru the Extranet now.  

Tourism Industry Huddle

Join us for the next tourism industry huddle on Wednesday, December 13 at 1:00 PM. 

Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84143550061?pwd=b1krbTlOaXk0ZFFid0V1bmxLTHpSUT09

Holiday Gift Ideas

The 2024 KANSAS! calendar has just been released and showcases the vibrantly, stunning beauty the Sunflower State holds within its border. Or treat your special someone to the whole Sunflower State is giving them a subscription to KANSAS! Magazine, which is the premier lifestyle magazine - celebrating our people, places and wide-open spaces.  

Check out the online shopping list of Kansas products put together by the Kansas Sampler Foundation. You can make a difference for these home-grown businesses with every purchase you make. 

And don't forget we have "To the Stars" merchandise available in our Gear Store. Perfect for any Kansan near or far!

Looking for ways to partner with us?  Be sure to check out our Partnership Opportunities here. If you have questions about any of the opportunities listed in the book, please reach directly out to its assigned contact. We’re happy to help you in any way that we can as you plan your marketing, research and educational opportunities throughout the year. 

Kansas Tourism Regions

Have you connected with your local tourism marketing region yet? 

To find out when the next meeting is in your region click here.

Webinars

• Kansas Trail Talk - Where Do We Start
• Kansas Trail Talk - Let's Get Started
• January 9 - Kansas Trail Talk - What Will This Cost - 12pm

Articles & Research

• 10 Marketing Myths Debunked
• 2023 Digital Transformation Report
• How DMOs Can Maximize Seasonal Marketing
• State of Destination Marketing 2024
• Technical Audits 101: Why Your Website Needs One
• The Promise of Travel in the Age of AI
• Unpack ’24: The Trends in Travel

December

• Fri, Dec 8 - Governor's Council Mtg
• Wed, Dec 13 - Virtual Huddle
• Mon, Dec 25 - State Offices Closed

January

• Mon, Jan 1 - State Offices Closed
• Wed, Jan 10 - Virtual Huddle
• Mon, Jan 15 - State Offices Closed
• Mon, Jan 29 - Kansas Day

February

• Wed, Feb 7 - Destination Statehouse
• Wed, Feb 14 - 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 November 2023