Volume 20, Issue 8 | August 2023

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TIAK TALK NEWSLETTER
Published monthly for members of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

By Melissa Dixon

Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau


TIAK members,


After a summer of planes, trains, and automobiles, our family is back home and back in our routines: back to school, meetings, soccer practice, and dance. We traveled far and wide and experienced some of the busiest cities in the country. We were amazed by concerts, museums, memorials, skyscrapers, and bright lights. But as Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home.” It’s good to be home, and it’s good to remember all the reasons why we live where we do – in the heartland. Here are just a few that warm my heart.


Our community is full of:

  • artists who add beauty with thought-provoking pieces
  • musicians who bring joy to our theatres, auditoriums, and pavilions
  • chefs who create delicious food to sustain us
  • retailers who make a living bringing us necessities
  • people who work for our community to be its best


Here’s to those who make our Kansas communities so special – and that includes you.


To the stars y'all,

Melissa

Industry Insider: Policy Update

A Special Update from U.S. Travel


As Congress departs Washington for their annual August recess, U.S. Travel shared an update on their advocacy efforts, the latest legislative updates, and what they expect in the coming weeks. This communication is packed with resources!

Click here for the full update!

Kansas Tourism Conference

KTC 2023 Registration Open!

Paul Long video

Join us in Dodge City, October 16-18, 2023


Are you ready to have some F.U.N.? Paul Long is! Join us in Dodge City this October for the Kansas tourism industry's "don't miss" conference of the year. Enjoy inspiring speakers, valuable educational information, and fun networking opportunities.


Kansas has so many things to celebrate this year and we can't wait for you to be a part of the fun!

Register here!

Sponsorship Opportunities


Highlight and promote what you have to offer the travel and tourism community: introduce a new product, or remind everyone of a great location, piece of merchandise, or service you are famous for. There are options to fit every budget. Click here for more information on #KTC23 sponsorship opportunities. Or if you work with a vendor who would benefit from sponsoring the Tourism Conference, please be sure to share sponsorship information with them.


A BIG thank you to all our generous sponsors to date!

Silent Auction


We're looking for donations to the silent auction at the Kansas Tourism Conference. Contributions should be made by October 1 to ensure you're recognized in the auction catalog. Thank you for your support! Donate here.

2024 Legislative Agenda: We Need Feedback


TIAK's Legislative Development process needs your input. Let us know what issues are important to the travel and tourism industry in Kansas as well as your local community. Your participation will tell Kansas lawmakers exactly where the travel and tourism industry community stands on issues that affect the industry. Your lawmakers will listed, so exercise your right to be heard.

Take the Survey!

Kansas News

Nearly $7.9M in Community Development Grants


Governor Laura Kelly announced that 24 communities in rural counties throughout the state will receive a share of nearly $7.9 million in federal grants to assist with community development projects. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, facilitated and administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Division, is a federal grant program that funds various local projects. Read more.

SEED Grants Available to Invest in Rural Quality-of-Life Initiatives


Governor Laura Kelly and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that $275,000 will be available through a second round of Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grants. The SEED program supports economic development and revitalization efforts in smaller counties across Kansas through investments in quality-of-life initiatives. Read more.

2023 Population Forecast


The Center for Economic Development and Business Research, with funding from the Patterson Family Foundation, forecasted population growth for the regions in Kansas by race, ethnic group, age, and gender over the fifty-year period from 2021 to 2071. These projections were forecast utilizing statewide and regional population, birth, mortality, migration, age, and gender with county, ethnic, and gender variations. The total Kansas population is projected to grow by more than 468,000 residents, an increase of almost 16% from 2021. Read more.

Travel and Tourism

Recovery and Growth Insights Dashboard


As the economy’s momentum continues, inflation cools and consumers feel more confident, the risk of recession is decreasing.


Adjusted for inflation, GDP expanded at a 2.4% annual rate in Q2. Second quarter GDP growth was largely driven by consumer spending on services.


And based on a recent survey of business managers, the economy expanded in July as service activity continued to grow.

Despite a drawdown in excess savings, a strong labor market and continued wage growth supports consumer spending, alongside slowing inflation. Incomes are rising faster than prices.


Moderating inflation is boosting consumer confidence, real disposable income and driving down travel prices resulting in consumers continuing to spend. Yet, consumers are becoming somewhat more thoughtful about their purchases resulting in weaker retail sales growth.

While the economy continues to expand, it is slowing. The tide is expected to shift later in the year, as the labor market loses momentum, savings are diminished and interest rates stay relatively elevated.


Still, the possibility of a soft landing for the U.S. economy increases as inflation begins to cool.

July 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 61% property participation and 77% hotel room participation in July.

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 July Highlights


  • Total travel spending improved to 0.9% above June 2022 levels and was up 4.7% year-to-date through June 2023.
  • Heading into the busy summer travel season, air travel demand increased 12% in June compared to the same month last year.
  • Travel prices continue to slow faster than overall prices and contracted 1.8% in June, the first decline since February 2021.
  • Overseas arrivals regressed slightly in June and remained 27% below 2019 levels.
 

TIAK Talk


CALENDAR OF EVENTS


Tourism Huddle

Second Wednesday of each month

September 13


Kansas Tourism Conference

October 16-18 - Dodge City


TIAK Board Meetings

October 16, December 14


TIAK Executive Committee Meetings

September 14, November 9


SAVE THE DATE!

Destination Statehouse

February 7 - Topeka

Registration coming soon