February Newsletter

Happy Groundhog Day! I can’t believe we are already in the second month of the year, but it is true, time flies when you are having fun. Our office has been having lots of fun so far in 2024 by kicking off several new projects. 

Thank you everyone who shared the Reclaim your Vacation in Kansas video on Kansas Day. We are already seeing positive engagement with the new video and the specific messaging that we will be using all throughout the year. I am excited about how this message will inspire new visitation. Of course, it you have not yet seen the new video, make sure you check it out at TravelKS.com/KansasDay.

Another big launch that just happened from the Kansas Tourism office is with the Sunflower Summer program.  The venue application window will run through March 15, and we are thrilled with the response that we are already seeing. Please make sure that you pass along the information on how and when to apply.  You can find out more information at TravelKS.com/SunflowerSummer.

I will leave you with a great quote I ran across the other day by UCLA basketball coach John Wooden.  “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”  I don’t know if this ever happens to you, but too many times I let a roadblock or personal limitation hold me back from focusing my energy on the open door right in front of me. Sometimes success is just about readjusting my focus to my available strengths and assets, and then using them to the best of my ability. Just another life lesson I am trying to learn. 

To The Stars,

2025 Official Kansas Travel Guide

It's that time again! 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 in the 2025 Kansas Travel Guide. You can find details about how to purchase your listing here or contact Andrea Etzel.

GUIDE LISTING DEADLINES

• EARLY BIRD – January – February 29
• GENERAL – March 1 – March 31
• PAYMENT DUE – May 31

LISTING PRICES

• EARLY BIRD - $80, Standard & $120, Highlighted
• GENERAL - $100, Standard & $140, Highlighted

Don't forget if you are a DMO you get a free listing, but it still needs to be entered as a Visitor Resource.

Sunflower Summer

Applications for eligible venues are open for the 2024 Sunflower Summer Program until March 15. Watch the recorded information webinar, find out more details and how venues can participate here.  If you have an attraction in your community that you think would be a good fit for the Sunflower Summer program send this info sheet their way. If you have questions please contact Jordan.

Grant Opportunities

Attraction Development Grant (ADGP) - Applications for the Kansas Tourism Attraction Development Grant are now open and are due Friday, March 31st. You can view the guidelines and information here.

Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) - Grant applications are open now thru February 23rd for the following:  General Operating Support, Arts Everywhere, Public Art & Murals, and Visiting Artists. You can watch a recording of the informational session here (passcode: KSArts2024!).

Historic Economic Asset Lifeline - Applications for the Emergency HEAL Grants, which are intended to bring rural downtown buildings back from likely demolition or collapse, will open on February 9th.  For more information and to register for the virtual webinar click here.

Rural Mural & Public Art - This grant helps communities with fewer than 10,000 residents create murals and public art projects to beautify public gathering spaces and serve as new tourist attractions. Applications open February 15th.  You will be able find more information here.

Explore Kansas Booth

Wanting to advertise your destination or business at the Kansas State Fair and don’t have a way to make all 10 days? Participate in the Explore Kansas area and display your booth for $200 which will be in the newly air-conditioned Oz Gallery on September 14th & 15th. 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 March 1st to register!

Tourism Industry Huddle

Join us for the next tourism industry huddle on Wednesday, February 14 at 1:00 PM.  Topics covered will include common consumption areas by the Kansas Department of Revenue and grant information and updates from the Kansas Creative Arts Industry Commission.

Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88975808214?pwd=NXBxQ2k4b1BnNjkwemdrZjBTZE9FQT09

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

• February 13 - Kansas Trail Talk - Where's the Money - 12pm
• February 14 - Tourism Virtual Huddle - 1pm
• February 14 - The New Way to Set Goals: Making The Most of Technology - 1pm
• February 21 - Say It Like You Mean It - 1pm

Articles & Research

• Five Reasons Influencer Marketing Matters In 2024 More Than Ever
  5 Travel Trends to Expect in 2024
• 2024 Marketing Trends Report
• 2024 Meeting Megatrends 
• Digital on the Rise: 3 of the Hottest Tech Trends in Hospitality in 2024
• Elevate the Impact of Your Website’s Imagery
• Instagram is creating better tourists
• Tourism Improvement Districts: stable & sustainable tourism funding

February

• Wed, Feb 7 - Destination Statehouse
• Wed, Feb 14 - Virtual Huddle

March

• Wed, Mar 13 - Virtual Huddle

April

• Mon, April 1 - Attraction Dev Grants Due
• Wed, April 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 January 2024