September Newsletter

The other day I mentioned to one of my grandkids that September is a special time because it is my birthday month. Her response was ”Grandma, I think you may be the oldest person I know.” I quickly pointed out to her several people she knows who are actually older than I am - but I am not at all confident that she believed me. We then spent quite a bit of time with her asking me questions about what it was like to grow up in the “old days.” Oh, the joy of grandkids!

That honest, and very humbling, conversation did get me thinking about how important it is to keep sharing our stories - not just our personal history, but also the stories of our state and of our individual communities.  This storytelling is why our Kansas historical museums are so valuable to our future.

Historical museums are more than just buildings full of artifacts – they are the guardians of our past by  documenting the evolution of a place and its people. They allow us to see how far we have come by showing the triumphs we’ve achieved and the challenges that we had to overcome. In a way, historical museums inspire us to look to the future. They remind us of what “To the Stars, through difficulties” truly means. 

At Kansas Tourism, we often talk about how we want to help our youth fall in love with Kansas at an early age. One very important way to do that is by immersing them in the stories of the people and places that made Kansas what it is today. 

So, to all the members of the Kansas tourism industry who are connected with a historical museum in some way: Thank you. Thank you for what you do everyday in keeping the stories of Kansas alive and sharing them with our children. Your work is a vital part of the tourism industry and the economic development of our cities. Keep up the good work. 

To The Stars,

Mobile Visitor Center

The new Mobile Visitor Center (MVC) is making its debut at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson! Be sure to visit us at our booth in the Pride of Kansas building to check it out. And you all are invited to the MVC official launch and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 12th at 1PM at our booth. It will be a short but fun ceremony with Kansas leaders to officially launch the MVC for all its future journeys. We hope to see you there! 

We are also looking for Inspiration Agents to help with our MVC. Click here to learn more about the part-time jobs and how to apply. 

New Community-Owned Travel Information Centers

Native Customs in Paxico and Big Brutus in West Mineral have recently been approved as Level 2 C-TICs. These establishments have demonstrated their commitment to enhancing the visitor experience by providing valuable information and promoting the unique attractions in their areas.

Native Customs is a cultural hub in Paxico, offering a rich experience that highlights the  artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage of the Native American and Lands Of Kansas products. Visitors will enjoy a diverse selection of handcrafted items and a welcoming environment that reflects the native spirit of Kansas.

Big Brutus, an iconic attraction in West Mineral, showcases an impressive piece of industrial history and provides educational and recreational opportunities for visitors. Its new designation as a Level 2 C-TIC will further enhance its role as a significant landmark in Kansas tourism.

KTA Wants Your Feedback

Provide your feedback in the Kansas Turnpike Authority’s annual Customer Satisfaction Survey and you could win one of six $50 Amazon gift cards! KTA uses the results to prioritize future changes. Prior feedback has resulted in electric vehicle charging stations, increased overhead bridge clearance, and KTA’s transition to cashless tolling. Take the survey today.

We invite you to be a part of the Kansas tourism industry's "don't miss" conference of the year. Registration is now open! Join us October 21-23 in Olathe to enjoy inspiring speakers, valuable educational information, and fun networking opportunities. Kansas has so many things to celebrate this year and we can't wait for you to be a part of the fun!

Tourism Industry Huddle

Join us on Wednesday, September 11th at 1:00 PM for the next tourism industry huddle. This huddle will feature a report from Chris Kennedy the new Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. You will also hear other important updates from Kansas Tourism & TIAK.

Date:  Wednesday, September 11th

Time:  1:00 PM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88264034284?pwd=U3EvZHo5cjB0c1ZLM242cGNBRXZSdz09

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 Events & Conferences

• September 27 - World Tourism Day Event - Online
• October 9-10 - Kansas Arts Councils Symposium - Salina
• October 17 - Business on the GO 2024 - Towanda
• October 21-23 - Kansas Tourism Conference - Olathe
• November 6-8 - Kansas Museum Conference - Fort Scott

Webinars

• September 11 - Kansas Tourism Huddle - 1pm

Articles & Research

• 2024 Hotel Visit Trends Uncovered
• Capturing creativity: the many benefits of traveling to see public art
• Generative AI and Google Search: Here’s What We Know So Far
• Getting Gen Z Employees To Join Your Community
• How Travelers Find Destinations for Their Trips
• How DMOs Can Use Wit to Win in the Age of Generative AI
• Social Media Management: Here’s How to Keep Your Followers Engaged
• Unlocking success: incentivizing visitors with sweepstakes campaigns
• Why Hospitality Brands Should Use Short-Form Video for Social Media Marketing

September

• Sept 6-15 - Kansas State Fair
• Wed, Sept 11 - Virtual Huddle
• Thurs, Sept 12 - MVC Launch

October

• Tues, Oct 1 - Attraction Development Grants Close
• Wed, Oct 9 - Virtual Huddle
• Oct 21-23 - Kansas Tourism Conference

November

• Wed, Nov 13 - Virtual Huddle
• Fri, Nov 15 - Gov Council Mtg

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 August 2024