March Newsletter

I cannot believe I am saying this, but here we are already…Welcome to March. 

What a year it has been already - and we’re only about 10 weeks into 2025.  I’ll be honest, I struggled with what I wanted to share this month.  This year has been a whirlwind of activity, and some days, I feel like I’m running from one fire to the next.    

But on my drive home tonight, after attending the TIAK Destination Statehouse reception, it hit me.  I had walked into the event feeling a little drained from a busy week – nothing bad, just too much to do and not enough hours in the day.    But when I left, I felt completely different.  I felt uplifted, energized, and reminded of why I love the tourism industry.  And that’s because I was surrounded by some of my favorite people – the passionate, dedicated people who make the Kansas tourism industry extraordinary. 

Tonight reminded me of a simple but powerful truth:  tourism is, at its core, about people.  We often focus on the facts – how tourism drives economic growth, supports jobs, enhances our quality of life, and generates revenue for our state and communities.  All of that is 100% accurate, and we should continue to shout those facts from the rooftops every single day. 

But tourism is also about heart. It’s hard work.  It comes with challenges.  But it is also dynamic, exciting, and constantly evolving.  It transforms places.  It makes life better for Kansans. 

And the people behind it – you – are the ones who make it happen.  You are the welcomers, the visionaries, the creators, the inspirers.  You are the doers.  You get things done.  And how lucky am I to be part of this incredible industry alongside you!

Please know how much you are appreciated.  Your hard work, dedication, and passion makes all the difference.  Keep pushing forward.  What you do matters. 

To The Stars,

2026 Official Kansas Travel Guide

Don't miss out on an opportunity to reach thousands of people about your destination or business for a mere $100. Be sure to purchase a listing in the 2026 Kansas Travel Guide. You can find details about how to purchase your listing here or contact Jordan Roemerman.

GUIDE LISTING DEADLINES

• Deadline: March 31
• Cost:  $100 Standard, $140 Highlighted
• Invoices Sent:  After April 1st
• Final Payment Due: May 31

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

Contact Kelli if you would like for her to come to your office for training on the Extranet.

America’s Field Trip is a contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of America’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the opportunity to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks. Reach out to your local schools to make sure they know about this great opportunity. Submission deadline is April 16.

Tourism Industry Huddle

Join us for the next tourism industry huddle on Wednesday, March 12 at 1:00 PM.  This huddle will include a presentation from the Kansas Arts Commission on "How Arts + Tourism Create a Win-Win for a Vibrant Kansas", TIAK will give an update on the legislative session, and Kansas Tourism will provide information on TBEX Summit Sponsorships. 

Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81263545384?pwd=GNtZtLKtEf9mscjKxbjEGL7N96ybHI.1

Check out the Industry Page to view previous huddles.

Vote for Kansas!

Several locations in Kansas have been nominated for USA TODAY's 10Best awards. Abilene has been named a finalist for Best Historic Small Town and Council Grove is competing in the Best Small Town in the Midwest. Botanica, the Wichita Gardens is in the running for Best Botanical Garden and Brady Nursery has been nominated for Best Plant Nursery. Smiley's Golf Complex in Lenexa has been named a finalist for Best Mini Golf,  Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina is competing in the Best Zoo Membership category and the Munchkin Marathon in Olathe has been nominated for Best Fun Run. Vote daily at the link below until March 31st.

Important Updates

• Our supply of Kansas Byways guides have been depleted and are no longer available on thru Extranet.
• Babette Dixon is now overseeing the Tourism Grant Programs.  If you have questions please reach out to her at Babette.Dixon@ks.gov. 
• Attraction Development Grants are due April 1st! Apply here.

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

• March 12 - AI and the Future of Events - 10am
• March 12 - Virtual Huddle - 1pm
• March 13 - The International Visitor Traveling to the U.S. - 10:30am
• March 13 - Manage Your Own Social Media - 12pm
• March 19 - Planning for the Next Generation of Sports Complexes - 12pm
• March 26 - Kansas 250 - 7pm

Articles & Research

• 5 Tips for Marketing Your Wedding Venue
• 10 Marketing TED Talks to Watch in 2025
• Four Mistakes DMOs Make on Social Media (And How to Fix Them)
• Hello, video! 4 Tips for Fantastic Hero Videos
• Here’s How to Spend Your Marketing Budget Wisely
• Resources to Strengthen Your Nonprofit Financial Management
• The Future of Main Street (featuring Emporia, KS!)

March

• Wed, Mar 12 - Virtual Huddle
• March 16-22 - KS Global Cuisines & Cultures Week
• Mon, Mar 31 - Travel Guide Listings Due

April

• Tues, Apr 1 - Attraction Dev Grants Due
• Thurs, Apr 3 - Global Meetings Industry Day
• Wed, Apr 9 - Virtual Huddle

May

• Wed, May 14 - 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 February 2025