PRESIDENT'S REPORT

By Melissa Dixon

Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau

Hello TIAK members!

Our team has recently been asked to think WAY outside the box and consider a major change to our operations. There is a lot of “But how would we…” and “But what if people want to…” and we are slowly stretching our brains to consider new concepts and strategies.

If this change comes about, our city would be one of the first in the nation to try it. I can’t say I’m not nervous about it, and it feels a little like jumping off a bridge: there’s no going back once we decide to move forward. If it works, we’ll be a leader. A trendsetter. And in 50 years, we’ll probably look back and say, “Can you believe we used to do it that way?” – like we do about so many things that have evolved into more efficient solutions.

As we tip toe out to the edge of this new idea, I encourage you to ask crazy questions this Spring. Followed by “What if…” and “Why not?” We are the leaders in Tourism, and I’m excited to think about how we could propel our industry to the next level.

To the Stars y’all,

Melissa

Destination Capitol Hill: April 18-19, 2023

Registration is open for Destination Capitol Hill (DCH) is now open. Join the U.S. Travel Association in Washington, D.C., April 18-19, to meet face-to-face with your local lawmakers.

The event brings travel leaders from across the country together to educate policymakers about the power of travel. The program combines a legislative day on Capitol Hill with advocacy training, guest speakers and peer-to-peer networking. DCH provides delegates with an opportunity to learn about upcoming legislation that impacts travel, network with peers and meet with members of Congress to stress the importance of travel as an economic driver. 

Join us for Destination Capitol Hill 2023 on April 18-19. If you are interested in attending, please contact Marlee Carpenter.

National Travel and Tourism Week: May 7-13, 2023

National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual tradition for the U.S. travel community. It’s a time when travel and tourism professionals across the country unite to celebrate the value travel holds for our economy, businesses, communities and personal well-being. Save the date for the upcoming 2023 celebration!

2023 NTTW Toolkit Available

Mark the 40th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), and demonstrate travel's essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities and creating quality job opportunities. The travel industry fuels every industry, in every community - and our success is the nation's success.

Moving #TravelForward begins with you. Explore the #nttw23 toolkit resources here.

TIAK Educational Seminar: June 15, 2023

Photography transforms us, takes us to new destinations, and opens windows to new ways of seeing. Few cameras have changed photography as much as the iPhone, freeing photographers form the tyranny of overstuffed camera bags as well as the dogged allegiance to technical solutions. The iPhone spurs journeys of visual discovery - and it's a lot of fun! Besides that, you're paying good money for the camera that you carry everywhere every day. It's time to master everything this wonderful tool has to offer.

Join us as National Geographic photographer, Jim Richardson teaches the tools and skills to help you use your iPhone to visually tell your story. Cost of registration is $25. Register today to join us in Lindsborg on June 15th.

$30 million for aviation, aerospace, and healthcare

WIBW reported, “The Kansas Department of Commerce announced…that $30 million will be made available under the Aviation Learning Opportunities & Funded Training and Delivering Residents and Workforce grant programs.”

The breakdown includes:

• $20M to fund training, development and expansion for new job opportunities in aviation and aerospace; and,
• $10M to fund training and development for healthcare, education and technology, including those working with persons with disabilities.

Read more here.

Kansas Tax Revenues Exceed Estimates

According to Governor Laura Kelly’s office, “total tax-only collections for February were $549.8 million. That is $36.8 million, or 7.2% more than the monthly estimate. Those collections were also $47.3 million, or 9.4% more than in February 2022.”

“Revenues are a clear sign that our efforts to make Kansas a place where businesses and families want to call home is paying off. These revenues will continue to grow our historic budget surplus, making it possible for our Legislature to pass responsible tax cuts that help every Kansan, like my ‘Axing Your Taxes’ plan.” —Gov. Laura Kelly

Read more here.

U.S. Travel Releases 2023 Priorities

• Establish Travel as Essential and Responsible: The travel industry supports more than 20 million American jobs and is a critical component to the economic vitality of our country. Each sector has a story to tell, and it is U.S. Travel’s opportunity to bring these stories to life.
• Advance Seamless and Secure Travel: We must establish increasing travel to and within the United States as a priority for both policymakers and business leaders––and by removing frictions in the travel experience, we will drive growth across each of industry’s segments.
• Shape Solutions to Operational Challenges: The industry must possess the resources to effectively and responsibly manage demand and while issues––including workforce, sustainability, inclusivity and public health––are bigger than any one industry, U.S. Travel will shape solutions favorable to travel.
• Build a Strong Business: Engagement, Team, Culture: Enhancing industry engagement, building a diversified value proposition and solidifying our financial future are keys to U.S. Travel’s success and can only be achieved by building a best-in-class association team and culture. 



Read more here.

February 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:

Update: Monthly and YTD Comparisons

Kansas had 61% property participation and 77% hotel room participation in February.

The U.S. Travel Association published its latest Monthly Data Report, exclusively for U.S. Travel members. Here are key highlights from last month's report.

Key February Highlights

• Travel spending continues to steadily increase and was 4% above 2019 levels in January.
• And, as of mid-January, just over half of all Americans (52%) and 79% of leisure travelers are planning to travel for leisure in the next six months.
• Overseas arrivals receded in January to 33% below 2019 levels following a slight uptick in December.
• Air demand exceeded 2019 levels for the first time in January and are now 3% above 2019 levels.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tourism Huddle

April 12

Educational Seminar

iPhone Photography

June 15 - Lindsborg

TIAK Board Meetings

April 13, June 15, August 10, October 16, December 14

TIAK Executive Committee Meetings

June 14, July 13, September 14, November 9

REGISTRATION OPEN!

Destination Capitol Hill

April 18-19, 2023