APRIL NEWSLETTER

I have to admit – some days I feel like I am the luckiest person in the world to get to do what I do every day. For example, over the last couple of weeks, I have been to 22 different communities delivering giant checks for our latest round of Attraction Development Grant awardees – because honestly, who doesn’t love a giant check?

Just this morning, I kicked off my day talking with German tour operators about Kansas, with a strong focus on Route 66. I don’t speak a word of German, but their interest in Kansas was clear. And next week, I have the honor of helping announce the designation of the 13th byway in our state – the Kansas Pony Express Historic Byway - with horses as part of the ceremony. What an amazing job this is!

One of the lessons I’ve learned in this role is that there is something uniquely powerful about Kansas roads that don’t just take you from point A to point B, but rather invite you to slow down, look around, and truly experience a place. Our Kansas byways do exactly that. They are more than routes on a map - they are curated journeys that tell the story of our state, its people, and its heritage.

Byways are also powerful economic drivers, particularly for rural Kansas. They encourage travelers to venture into communities they might otherwise pass by. And when travelers slow down, they stop. They dine in local restaurants, explore museums, visit shops, and connect with the people who bring these places to life. That kind of visitation supports small businesses, strengthens local economies, and helps sustain the cultural assets that make each community unique.

So, as we all look ahead to a very busy travel season – and celebrate the addition of the Pony Express Historic Byway – it is a timely reminder to myself that tourism is not only about where you’re going, but also about how you get there, and who you meet along the way.

To The Stars,

KC2026 is offering a limited number of Kansas sponsorships to support non-commercial, community-led public watch parties celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026™. These sponsorships are designed to help communities across Kansas to create welcoming, inclusive, and locally organized events that bring residents together to enjoy the excitement of the tournament. Learn more by reviewing the powerpoint slides, reading the FAQs, and watching the webinar. Ready to apply? Applications are due by April 7th. Email Brianna Horton with KC2026 if you have questions.

Toolkit resources—including customizable social media graphics, messaging guidance, press materials, proclamations and more—will be available in the coming weeks. Check back soon for materials to help you join the celebration and share how travel makes an impact in your community. In the meantime, mark your calendar and get ready to celebrate travel’s essential role during National Travel and Tourism Week 2026.

Join us for the next tourism industry huddle on Wednesday, April 8th at 1:00 PM. On this huddle we will have presentation by the Office of Rural Prosperity and their new grant opportunities as well as an update from TIAK and the World Cup™.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87571770187?pwd=8b15TrUDqs4dfKyCy5ZZ5RZaCqEvNy.1

Meeting ID: 875 7177 0187

Passcode: i1dXEW

One tap mobile

+17193594580,,87571770187#,,,,*005523# US

+12532050468,,87571770187#,,,,*005523# US

Check out the Industry Page to view previous huddles.

Want to learn more about Kansas Tourism and the resources our office can provide? Or maybe you need a refresher on how to use the Extranet which is how you update your information on TravelKS.com. Kelli will be hitting the road this spring to make presentations across the state at the following locations:

Thank you to everyone who bought a listing for the 2027 Kansas Travel Guide.  Invoices will be sent out later this month and will need to be paid by Monday, June 1st. If you missed the deadline for listings you still have time to purchase a display ad. Details and deadlines, can be found in the media kit. For more information, questions or to reserve your space, please contact Kim Sommerfeldt.

Locations in Kansas have been nominated for USA TODAY's 10Best awards:

Have you connected with your local tourism marketing region yet? Kansas Tourism has made it a priority to market the state regionally as visitors respond well to this approach. In Kansas there are six tourism regions, and each region has an organization that represents their members. By being a part of your regional organization, you have access to additional marketing and advertising opportunities. Kansas Tourism depends heavily on these regional organizations to help direct our marketing efforts. If you are not sure what region you are in, or how to get in contact with them, reach out to Kelli Orender and she can help you get to the correct person. 

To find out when the next meeting is in your region click here.

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 click here.

New & Renewing in March 2026