President's Report

In April, I had the opportunity to join more than 400 travel advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C. for U.S. Travel Association’s Destination Capitol Hill. It’s an energizing event that brings our industry together to advocate for policies that support travel—especially the importance of using welcoming, traveler-friendly language at the federal level to encourage international visitation.

I was proud to represent TIAK alongside Jim, Julie, Alan, Sean, Suzie, and Marlee from our Advocacy and Executive Committees. We spent a full day on Capitol Hill meeting with members of the Kansas delegation and their teams, including the offices of Representatives Sharice Davids, Ron Estes, Tracey Mann, and Derek Schmidt, as well as Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran.

From scheduled meetings to conversations in the hallway between meetings and sessions, we had great discussions about the impact of tourism on Kansas communities. And those numbers tell a powerful story: 2024 travel in Kansas generated a $9 billion economic impact (up $3 billion in four years!), raked in over $660 million in state and local tax receipts and supported more than 55,600 jobs. This is why our voice and our advocacy matter.

Just as meaningful was the time spent connecting with fellow TIAK members. Between a full schedule, a little bit of sightseeing - including a tour of the White House and the People’s House Museum, record-breaking April heat, and some fantastic meals, it was a fun and (re)energizing trip. That momentum will carry me forward as we head into a very busy travel season, with exciting opportunities ahead, including FIFA 2026, America 250, and Route 66 milestones.

Thanks for all you do to support tourism across Kansas!! We have got a lot to look forward to this year!

May your trails be smooth,

Megan Welsh

with Dodge City CVB

𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Mark Your Calendar for

National Travel and Tourism Week

May 3-9, 2026

A full toolkit with resources to help you engage in the 2026 celebration will be shared in the months ahead. In the mean time, see additional information HERE

TIAK PAC Contribution Requests!

The TIAK Political Action Committee will be making contributions during the 2026 election cycle. The TIAK PAC currently can contribute to about 48 candidates but that is much fewer than the 125 House members up for election or any of the Senate members that have been tourism advocates. 

The TIAK PAC is seeking donations from individuals, not from CVB funds. Please scan Venmo QR code or click HERE for your contribution. If you would like to send a check, please send it to the TIAK PAC at 825 S Kansas Ave, Suite 502, Topeka, KS 66612.

2028 KTC Request for Proposals

Proposals are due June 1st for the 2028 Kansas Tourism Conference. Proposals are anticipated to be submitted through coordinated community efforts of the local DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) such as the Chamber, CVB, City in cooperation with lodging, meeting and attractions facilities to be considered. CVB’s and DMO’s that are TIAK members will be given preference.

Past locations include:

• 2026: Wichita
• 2025: Manhattan
• 2024: Olathe
• 2023: Dodge City
• 2022: Wichita
• 2021: Liberal
• 2019: Mulvane
• 2018: Junction City
• 2017: Garden City
• 2016: Olathe
• 2015: Wichita

For communities considering the

23-hour liquor sale during the World Cup . . .

Click HERE for industry notice published by the ABC.

Jurisdictions that opt in by ordinance/resolution, all liquor licensees could remain open for sales 23 hours daily during the time frame provided in law. The licensee does not have to stay open the expanded hours.

Click here for more Kansas 250

Resources & Partners

The Kansas 250 Commission is excited to collaborate with the following National and Kansas State Agencies, as well as various businesses and non-profits across Kansas:



• America 250
• The White House - America 250
• Eisenhower Foundation
• Humanities Kansas
• Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks
• Kansas Museums Association
• Kansas Volunteer Commission
• United States Conference of Mayors
• Kansas Music Educators Association
• State of Kansas Library

As the nation approaches its upcoming Semiquincentennial in 2026, the Kansas 250 Commission will lead the state's efforts in commemorating this eventful moment in American history. The Kansas 250 Commission will also collaborate with local communities and partner organizations to provide a wide array of activities and events focused on America's 250th birthday. Click below for a starting point to spark your own celebration ideas!

Join TIAK and Kansas Tourism for a virtual Kansas tourism industry huddle the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1 PM CT. View past huddles here.

US travelers take fewer trips but spend more on experiences, find new Arrival report



U.S. travelers are taking fewer trips overall due to economic pressures, but they are prioritizing and spending more on experiences like tours and activities to make each trip more meaningful.

They are also planning ahead more—often booking experiences in advance and via mobile—reflecting a shift toward intentional, experience-driven travel decisions, especially among younger travelers. Read more HERE.

'Analog' U.S. air traffic system needs changes, leaders say



The Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Transportation are pushing a major overhaul of the U.S. air traffic control system, replacing outdated, largely analog technology with modern digital infrastructure and software to improve safety, efficiency, and reduce delays.

The plan—costing billions and expected to take years—aims to fix persistent issues like system outages, staffing shortages, and cascading disruptions by introducing advanced tools (potentially including AI) and more coordinated airspace management. Read more HERE.

Report: Sports-Related Travel Fuels a

$274.5 Billion Economy

Sports-related travel in the U.S. has grown into a $274.5 billion economic engine, generating $111.2 billion in direct spending, supporting about 1.6 million jobs, and producing over $20 billion in tax revenue.

The industry is driven by both participatory (youth and amateur) and spectator sports travel, attracting hundreds of millions of travelers annually and delivering significant economic impact to destinations through hotel stays, events, and tourism spending. Read more HERE.

U.S. Travel condemns campaign to discourage

World Cup travel

Amnesty International and other rights groups issued a World Cup travel advisory warning that visitors to the U.S. could face risks such as denied entry, detention, invasive searches, and potential racial profiling amid stricter immigration enforcement.



The advisory has been criticized by tourism officials as exaggerated and politically motivated, while the U.S. government and FIFA say they are working to ensure safe travel and boost attendance despite concerns ahead of the 2026 tournament. Read more HERE.

The Most Famous Roadtrip in the U.S. Has a New Cheese Trail - With Stops Across 8 States

The Route 66 Cheese Trail is a new self-guided food tourism experience launching in 2026 that guides travelers along the iconic highway through eight states, highlighting artisan cheesemakers, local farms, and specialty shops.

Designed to celebrate Route 66’s 100th anniversary, the trail encourages a slower, more meaningful road trip focused on regional flavors and supporting small businesses rather than typical roadside convenience stops.  Read more HERE.

Labor Market Report

Please find the link below to the February Labor Market report. The March 2026 Kansas Labor Report will be released on May 1, 2026.

February 2026 Labor Market Report: Click Here!

Scroll down to Labor Report Documents for the News Release and Labor Force Data for the “Interactive Labor Force Dashboard” and “Printable County Unemployment Rate Map”.

March Lodging Report

TIAK has an agreement with Smith Travel Research (STR) to provide members with statewide reports on hotel occupancy each month. The following data is provided directly from STR:

Monthly and YTD Comparisons

Kansas had 62% property participation and 78% hotel room participation in March.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tourism Huddle

Second Wednesday of each month

May 13

TIAK Executive Committee Meetings

May 14

August 12

September 10

November 12

TIAK Board Meetings

June 11

August 13

October 20

December 10