May Newsletter

I am very excited for you to see the Travel Talk this week. So many new projects – so much good news!

Sunflower Summer is just around the corner, and we cannot wait for it to open on May 25th.  This program is a fantastic benefit for Kansas students and their families that will have rippling effects for years to come. Be sure you read the update below for insights into you can market the program in your community. 

Additionally, I want to draw your attention to the newly posted position for the Mobile Visitor Center Manager.  This newly created position will be key to the success of the MVC program. Please check it out and share with anyone that you think might be interested in joining the Kansas Tourism team. 

And finally, I want to make sure you start planning now for National Travel and Tourism Week, May 19-25. This is a great opportunity to highlight the impact of tourism on your community to local elected officials, boards, businesses, and residents the impact that the tourism industry has on your community.  Below is a link to a toolkit to provide ideas and get you started.      

I believe the Kansas Tourism team is busier than we have ever been, but at the same time, we are seeing interest in traveling to Kansas greater than it has ever been.  Our goal is to maximize this positive momentum for even greater impact. 

Thank you all for your dedication and passion for showcasing the beauty and travel opportunity that Kansas has to offer. 

To The Stars,

The Sunflower Summer app will be updated for users the week of May 20th. The app will also include a link to our coupons/deals page so make sure to upload any special offers you want to include thru the extranet now. We are expecting a jump in users and don't want you to miss out!  

You can view the over 220 participating venues and learn more about the program on the website now. Don't forget you can use the DMO toolkit that we have put together to help promote the program.

Kansas Tourism is launching an exciting new project – a mobile visitor center (MVC).  The MVC will be a branded vehicle wrapped and up fitted in a Kansas Tourism themed look, and will feature amenities and technology to proactively engage and inspire travel to Kansas. It will be deployed strategically at large events both in-state and out-of-state. The MVC will be launched this fall. A new position with Kansas Tourism has just been posted for the MVC Manager.  Click here for more information. 

KTA Cashless Tolling

On July 1, 2024, the Kansas Turnpike will go cashless. Changes will take place on the roadway and with how tolls are paid, improving safety, enhancing the customer experience and modernizing operations. Below are some resources you may want to keep at your fingertips for you and travelers thru the state:

• Go! Cashless Kit
• Paying Toll
• Quick Facts: KTA & Cashless Tolling
• Go! Cashless Posters: Option 1 |  Options 2
• Rack Card

All of this and more can be found at https://ksturnpike.com/here-to-help. 

There’s a number of videos also available and newsletter/bulletin copy under Additional Resources. For more information contact 1-800-USE-KTAG or www.ksturnpike.com/contact. 

National Travel and Tourism week is May 19-25! This week is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the contributions of tourism on our local, state, and national economy. We have developed a toolkit for resources (like key messaging, social posts, etc.) to help you join in on the celebration. Download the toolkit here.

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.

Tourism Industry Huddle

Join us for the next tourism industry huddle on Wednesday, May 8 at 1:00 PM. Josh Loebner, Global Head of Inclusive Design with VML, will be providing a session on accessibility and how to amplify your community for travelers with disabilities. 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

• June 27 - Social Media Day - Wichita

Webinars

• May 7 - Insights from SportsETA’s State of the Industry Report - 12pm
• May 8 - Tourism Virtual Huddle - 1pm
• May 16 - Innovative Partnerships: How Managed Services are Reshaping Local Government Operations - 12pm
• May 22 - Generative AI Transformation - 11am

Articles & Research

• 5 steps to creating an amazing automated newsletter welcome campaign
• 15 Cultural Protocols to Know Before You Visit Native Homelands in the U.S.
• A Look Into Tourism Trends & Insights
• Big on sports: Why small and mid-size cities hold big appeal for sports
• Building a Website? Here's What to Include in your RFP
• Out-of-this-world (literally) crazy marketing ideas that worked
• The Creative Process: Feedback Dos and Don’ts
• Top Reasons to Invest in Your Website (and What to Expect)
• Your Guide to UGC Rights Management

May

• 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

July

• Wed, July 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 April 2024