December Newsletter

I am writing this Travel Talk article from the back seat of a car, joined by a couple Kansas Tourism team members as we deliver Attraction Development Grant checks. This really is one of the favorite parts of my job – supporting the growth and development of new attractions. 

These road trips always leave me energized by the passion and creativity of people in the tourism industry. Who else but tourism professionals would dream up a Ruby Red Slipper Slide or transforming an old schoolhouse into an eclectic Airbnb. Through this round of grants, we were also able to assist with renovations at two museums to elevate new displays, help develop an orientation center for a historic treasure, assist with projects at three different Arts Centers, help restore a historic bridge, expand new activities at a family friendly entertainment destination, support a growing Agritourism business, and help launch a creative visitor center. The tourism industry in Kansas is dynamic, imaginative, and thriving. Congratulations to all our awardees. 

The other fun part of these road trips is sharing the experience with some of the Kansas Tourism team. I love listening to their excitement as they explore new places, making lists of places that want to visit again. These are our future tourism industry leaders and seeing their excitement grow for the industry is inspiring. 

As we wrap up a fantastic year, I want to thank each of your dedication. 2025 is going to be amazing!

To The Stars,

Holiday Gift Ideas

The 2025 KANSAS! calendar has just been released and showcases the vibrantly, stunning beauty the Sunflower State holds within its border. Or treat someone special to the whole Sunflower State by 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!

New Opportunity

Datafy, a data analytics and visitor attribution platform, has announced a limited-time, free website pixel for DMOs. With this pixel, DMOs can track visitor origins, monitor in-market visits, and identify which digital channels drive traffic to your location. More information can be found here. Reach out to Christine Alvarez at Christine@datafy.com by Tuesday, December 31st for more information and to get started.

Tourism Industry Huddle

Join us on Wednesday, December 11th at 1:00 PM for the next tourism industry huddle. This huddle will feature a presentation by Learn Tourism on the 5 Pillars of Successful Tourism Marketing.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88029266935?pwd=WndsUzZERnlNOUVobWdhY2NHdEtjUT09

Be Our Partner

Did you know our Travel Information Centers have marketing opportunities to promote your attraction, community, or event? Check these out here under the "partner" tab. To secure your spot please contact Mona Carver ASAP. 

Looking for other 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

• December 11 - Kansas Tourism Huddle - 1pm
• December 19 - Handling Comments on Social Media - 10am
• Online - The Hidden Value of Long Form Travel Content
• Online - What is the Impact of Trails

Articles & Research

• Accessibility: Where Should You Start?
• Designing inclusive websites: how to create neurodiverse-friendly online experiences
• How To Fix Travel Brand Marketing
• How To Make Your Hotel & Destination Social Media Content Feel Authentic
• How Play Is Inspiring a New Generation of Travelers
• Noctourism, Set-Jetting, and Other 2025 Travel Trends to Know
• Short Term Rental Report
• The 2025 Big 3 in Marketing: AI, Sustainability, and Immersive Integration
• Why Travel Planning With Friends & Family Starts With Snapchat

December

• Wed, Dec 11 - Virtual Huddle
• Wed, Dec 25 - State Offices Closed

January

• Wed, Jan 1 - State Offices Closed
• Wed, Jan 8 - Virtual Huddle
• Mon, Jan 20 - State Offices Closed

February

• Fri, Feb 7 - Gov Council Mtg
• Wed, Feb 12 - Destination Statehouse (No 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 2024