April Newsletter

Do you ever have those days when your tank is just empty? When it feels like you don’t have a creative bone in your body, or cannot possibly look at one more spreadsheet, or make one more decision bigger than what to have for lunch. Well, I will be honest.  Today was one of those days. 

This morning, I sat down at my desk to write this column and ended up staring at a blank page for an incredibly long amount of time.  I had nothing.  I even asked ChatGPT to give me some suggestions on topics for writing a newsletter article this month.   The best suggestions were to talk about embracing the blossoming beauty of April, giving Spring cleaning tips,  or providing some Tax Season reminders. None of those felt right.  It also didn’t help that it was really quiet in the office today as most of the Kansas Tourism team was out of the office at conferences and meetings.  

It was just one of those days when my brain needed a reset.  So, I don’t know if it was Luck or someone sending good vibes my way, but something very normal and small happened, but it was exactly what I needed.   

A Mom and her two kids came to the office looking for Kansas information for her 5th graders Kansas research project.  As I was gathering some materials to provide him, the mom and I began chatting.  They are a new family to Kansas, only been here a couple years, and are finding ways to explore their new home state.  I got to talk to her about the Sunflower Summer program that they had used a few times last summer and were so excited to hear that it would be back for the summer of 2024.  I gave them all kinds of tourism information and brochures and a few ideas of places they could visit.  They left happy and excited to continue their exploring. 

This is not an unusual thing for our office at all.  This happens all the time.  It’s just that I very seldom get to be the person to talk with the 5th grader wanting to know more about his home state.  That 5-minute interaction revived me.  As I walked back to my office, I thought about the significance of what we all in the tourism industry get to do every day.  Whether it is helping a family plan their next adventure or tackling mundane tasks like reviewing spreadsheets, each action is contributing to the larger picture of promoting out state as a visitor destination. 

So, to whoever sent the good vibes my way this morning….thank you. You reminded me of the privilege we have in showcasing Kansas to the world. 

Keep up the good work.  And as ChatGPT suggested – this is your reminder that April is the perfect time to clean your windows, plant some flowers, and get your taxes done. 

To The Stars,

Welcome Our Newest Staff Member

Hi Everyone!! My name is Rosa Cavazos.

I am excited to be the newest team member for Kansas Tourism!!  I have been a part of the tourism industry for over 12 years.  I am the starting a new position in the department as the Special Projects Coordinator.  I am so excited to get these projects off and running across the beautiful state of Kansas!  It has been a whirlwind since I started on March 25th.  I have enjoyed meeting so many people with the Department of Commerce and I can’t wait to see where this new adventure takes me! 

2025 Official Kansas Travel Guide

Thank you to everyone who bought a listing for the 2025 Kansas Travel Guide.  Invoices will be sent out soon and will need to be paid by Friday, 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.

National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual celebration that underscores travel’s essential role in driving our nation's economy, cultivating vibrant communities and forging connections.

Established in 1983, NTTW has become a cherished tradition, celebrating the U.S. travel community and highlighting how travel stimulates economic growth, creates quality jobs, inspires new businesses and elevates the quality of life for Americans every day.

Get ready to celebrate NTTW from May 19-25, 2024. While NTTW has historically been celebrated during the first full week of May, this year’s NTTW dates were shifted due to a conflict with U.S. Travel’s IPW. You can gather inspiration and ideas from the U.S. Travel Toolkit.

Tourism Industry Huddle

Join us for the next tourism industry huddle on Wednesday, April 10 at 1:00 PM. Valerie Jennings , CEO of Jennings Social Media and MarTech, will be providing a session on how to leverage AI tools in tourism marketing.  You will also hear an update from TIAK on the legislative session. 

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.

Upcoming Workshops

• April 11 - Weather Preparedness - Hays
• April 16-17 - Office of Rural Prosperity Grants 101 - McPherson
• June 27 - Social Media Day - Wichita

Webinars

• April 9 - Kansas Trail Talk - Rail Trail Issues - 12pm
• April 10 - Tourism Virtual Huddle - 1pm
• April 24 - Rural Tourism: It's the Places Visitors are Looking For - 1pm

Articles & Research

• Attractions: What your DMO wants you to know
• DMOs that discovered co-branding hop-portunities with local breweries
• Generative AI: a tool for the present with future potential
• Futurecast 2024: Emerging Local Government Trends & Issues
• Here’s How to Reach Different Generations on Social Media
• How to Choose the Right Images: Original Photography vs. Stock
• Marketing for Group Travel: Building Solid Relationships
• The Future Of AI And Cities
• Travel Across Generations: How To Attract the Entire Family
• Traveler insights Q1 2024: Top destinations and event trends
• Trending Sports To Watch

April

• Wed, April 10 - Virtual Huddle
• Thurs, April 11 - Global Meetings Industry Day

May

• May 2-5 - Big Kansas Road Trip
• Fri, May 3 - Gov Council Mtg
• Wed, May 8 - Virtual Huddle
• May 19-25 - National Travel & Tourism Week

June

• Mon, June 3 - Marketing Grants Open
• Wed, June 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 March 2024