President's Report

Last week, I had the chance to attend the Kansas Arts Network's annual conference in Wichita. The event was a powerful reminder of the vital link between a vibrant arts sector and a thriving tourism industry. Whether public art, murals, performing arts or museums, art has a place in our local tourism landscape. When our communities invest in the arts, they create unique destinations that attract visitors, generate significant economic impact and tell the story of our state. 

The conference reinforced that this success hinges on local support and advocacy. One session focused on how artists and organizations can effectively advocate for the arts at the state and federal level. Another explored the Nebraska Creative District Program, which has helped reinvigorate neighborhoods and communities both large and small across the state. Others shared the story of Lucas, Kansas; the history of music in Kansas; and how a film on a forgotten piece of Latino history blossomed into a public art project in Lawrence. 

I urge you to consider joining the Kansas Arts Network. Tourism should have a voice in this sector. A strong arts scene provides compelling, authentic experiences for travelers, enriches our communities, and strengthens our local economies. Let's work together to ensure this powerful partnership continues to flourish. 

Alan Carr

with Visit Kansas City Kansas

#KTC25

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

TIAK MARKETING AWARDS

The countdown is on! TIAK Marketing Awards are due by 5 PM on Friday, August 1. Join TIAK in highlighting this talent in conjunction with the 2025 Kansas Tourism Conference in Manhattan, October 20-21. CLICK HERE to enter your brilliant marketing projects, events, and more.

One winner from each overall budget category will be presented at the banquet during the Kansas Tourism Conference in October from the following categories:

• Community Awareness
• Event
• Digital/Online Media
• Print Material
• Visitor Guide
• Member Community Collaboration

TIAK Tourism Strategic Planning - Regional Input Needed!

We are in the processing of developing a Tourism Strategic Plan for the next 3-5 years for the tourism industry in Kansas and WE NEED YOUR HELP! We have re-opened the survey asking for input for priorities in your region. This information is important so that all regional priorities are represented. We will be discussing and finalizing the plan during the Kansas Tourism Conference. We need your input at conference but also need your input today.

Please share this survey and discuss your regional needs within your tourism region before the Kansas Tourism Conference. We have also reopened the survey for those that have not taken it.

Nominations for the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame

The Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations of living or deceased individuals for consideration for induction into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Any organization or individual may submit a nomination for a qualified candidate. The committee meets annually to evaluate the nominations and determine the inductees.

Nominations forms can be requested from Boot Hill Museum, Inc at Front Street, Dodge City, Kansas or can be completed online HERE. Forms must be received by August 31, 2025 for induction consideration for 2025.

For more information, go HERE

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.

An email message from Geoff Freeman,

President and CEO of U.S. Travel Association

Travel Industry Leaders:

Today, Congress sent the "big, beautiful bill”—a sweeping budget package—to the President’s desk. This legislation includes $2 trillion in federal spending cuts, $4.5 trillion in tax relief and unprecedented investments in border security and immigration enforcement. 

The bill reflects President Trump’s top priorities—extending the 2017 tax cuts and historic investments in border security—and creates a key opportunity for U.S. Travel to deliver real, long-overdue wins for our industry: investments in air traffic control and customs modernization, along with meaningful tax protections for small businesses. 

But those gains come with difficult tradeoffs—including a significant cut to Brand USA’s funding, a setback we are already working to reverse. 

Here’s where we landed: 

What We Won

Thanks to your partnership, this bill includes several game-changing investments that will modernize our infrastructure, enhance security and improve the travel experience: 

• $12.5 Billion to Modernize Air Traffic Control: A down payment to upgrade the National Airspace System (NAS)—including updates to air traffic control technology, physical infrastructure and workforce development. 
• $6.1 Billion to Reduce Wait Times and Improve Customs Staffing: Includes $4.1 billion to hire and train at least 5,000 new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and $2 billion to retain existing staff—helping reduce processing delays and improve the international arrival experience.  
• $673 Million to Expand Biometric Screening at U.S. Ports of Entry: A critical step in strengthening border security and enabling future expansion of the Visa Waiver Program. 
• $1.6 Billion for Security and Operational Support for Major Events: Includes $625 million for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and $1 billion for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. 
• Tax Policy Wins for Nonprofits and Small Businesses: Protects and preserves the tax-exempt status of nonprofits, locks in tax breaks for small businesses and makes it easier for companies to invest and grow by extending key investment incentives. 

Where We Lost 

While we secured major wins, the need to offset tax cuts with spending reductions came at a cost: 

• Brand USA’s funding was slashed by 80%. Federal matching funds were cut from $100 million to just $20 million annually in FY26 and FY27. This comes at the exact moment we should be ramping up global promotion around America’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. 
• Visitor visa fees were significantly increased. A new $250 Visa Integrity Fee and an increase in the ESTA fee—from $21 to $40—make international travel to the U.S. more expensive for international travelers. These fees are not reinvested in the travel experience and do nothing but discourage visitation at a time when foreign travelers are already critiquing the welcome experience and high prices.  

Where We Go Next 

We’ve already shifted into action to reverse these setbacks and strengthen the wins: 

• Restore full Brand USA funding through FY26 appropriations: President Trump’s own budget calls for full funding—Congress should deliver. We will likely have an opportunity to address Brand USA’s funding in an omnibus appropriations bill at the end of 2025.  
• Press for visa fee delays or reductions: Discussions are already underway with the administration and Congress to delay or reduce the new visa fees. 
• Keep making the case: Our message to policymakers is clear: international visitors power nearly one in 10 American jobs and Brand USA is essential to driving inbound travel and economic growth. 

Thank you for your partnership and continued engagement. The wins in this bill—particularly for domestic travel—reflect what's possible when our industry speaks with one voice. The fight is far from over—and we’re committed to ensuring the setbacks are temporary, and that America remains the most welcoming, accessible and desirable destination in the world.  

More updates to come soon—and more opportunities to engage. 

Geoff Freeman  | President and CEO

U.S. Travel Association

Reconciliation bill contains significant wins for

travel industry

Congress' approval of the legislative package is being hailed by U.S. Travel Association for its significant investments in air traffic control and Customs and Border Protection, which are expected to enhance traveler experience and security. Geoff Freeman, the association's president, noted these improvements as major wins for modernizing and streamlining the travel process, although he also highlighted lingering concerns regarding other components of the bill. Read more from U.S. Travel newsroom.

2026 World Cup expected to boost US hotels, with caveats

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, spanning 16 cities across the US, Canada and Mexico, is expected to have a significant but uneven impact on the lodging industry. While gateway cities such as New York City, Los Angeles and Miami are expected to see substantial gains because of international appeal and robust infrastructure, nongateway cities might experience only short-term boosts. The tournament's unprecedented geographic scale presents logistical challenges, and political climate could affect international travel demand. Read more from Hotels Magazine

Google's AI Mode transforms travel planning

Google's AI Mode is transforming travel planning by providing instant, personalized answers directly in search results rather than sets of links. Launched to all US users in May, AI Mode has already significantly impacted the travel industry, particularly with a surge in "things to do" searches. Read more from Travel + Leisure

Labor Market Report

Please find the link below to the June Labor Market report. The July 2025 Labor Report will be released on Friday, August 15, 2025.

June 2025 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”.

June 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 June.

For additional opportunities to grow your career or post job opportunities within your organization, see additional listings HERE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tourism Huddle

Second Wednesday of each month

August 13

TIAK Executive Committee Meetings

September 11

November 13

TIAK Board Meetings

August 14

October 9

December 11

Event Dates

Kansas Tourism Conference

October 20-21 - Manhattan