PRESIDENT'S REPORT

By Melissa Dixon

Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau

Greetings TIAK members,

As the holidays approach, I am hearing many expressions of gratitude and thankfulness. At our TIAK Executive Committee Retreat, our group discussed how thankful we are that the organization is comfortable financially and can afford to fund efforts that we couldn’t in the past. We are also grateful for the strong relationship we have with Kansas Tourism and the Department of Commerce that has opened a new world of opportunities for tourism efforts in our state.

 In the spirit of tourism, I can tell you a few things I am thankful for:

-         Hard-working investors: Hays had FOUR restaurants open in the past 30 days and witnessing the work that has gone into each one has been mind-boggling

-         Fresh ideas: Our RV Park has created an illuminated walking trail that will be open for 17 nights during the holidays

-         Volunteerism: This month our CVB team delivered Meals on Wheels for a full week and we were gifted with so many sweet smiles

-         Local partnerships: Our historic theatre is partnering with our local United Way chapter to host a Holiday Pop Up end-of-the-year fundraiser with special guests like Santa and The Grinch

-         Big dreams: I love seeing grants being awarded to neighboring communities for brand new attractions to bring people to Kansas

And last, but not least, I am thankful for our TIAK members! Our group helped make real changes in the Kansas tourism industry this year, and it couldn’t have happened without the hard work of the membership – Thank You!

To the stars y'all,

Melissa

Kansas Tourism Conference Photos

Enjoy the photos taken from the 2023 Kansas Tourism Conference last month.

Membership Survey: We Need Your Feedback

Let us know what you think by completing this survey.

Kansas State Fair Numbers

By Holly Lofton

The Kansas State Fair is an annual event held in Hutchinson, Kansas. With a rich history spanning over 100 years, it showcases the best of agriculture, entertainment, and family-friendly fun. The 2023 Fair, held September 8 to September 17, 2023, concluded with an overall impressive attendance of 330,044 patrons. Despite a few days of inclement weather conditions, fairgoers came out and enjoyed the festivities.

The ten-day event showcased a wide range of at attractions and activities that entertained visitors of all ages. From thrilling rides, captivating exhibits, live performances, and mouthwatering food and livestock shows, the Kansas State Fair offered something for everyone.

“We are thrilled with the tremendous response from the community,” said Bryan Schulz, General Manager of the Kansas State Fair. “Even during cool, rainy days, patrons showed their unwavering support and enthusiasm for this beloved annual tradition.”

The Kansas State Fair also experienced a significant increase in sponsorships this year. Area businesses and organizations recognized the value of aligning their brands with one of the state’s most iconic events. The additional sponsorships allowed for enhanced programming and ensured that fairgoers had an unforgettable experience.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors for their generous support,” added Bryan Schulz, KSF Manager. “Their contributions played a vital role in making this year’s fair a resounding success.” Learn more.

Governor Kelly Travels to Germany to Promote Investment Opportunities

Governor Laura Kelly wrapped up a trade mission to Germany recently to promote Kansas and encourage foreign investment into the state. While there, the governor met with business leaders to discuss the many opportunities currently available because of the unprecedented surge in economic activity in Kansas. Learn more.

Commerce to Distribute $2M in CDBG-COVID Grants

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced 15 Kansas communities would receive their share of $2 million from the Community Development Block Grant - COVID Resiliency (CDBG-CVR) competitive grant program. This program was funded via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. CDBG-CVR was designed to empower Kansas businesses to enhance their resiliency in the face of future community illnesses and public health emergencies. Learn more.

Tourism Grants Awarded

Kansas Tourism announced the distribution of $500,000 in Attraction Development Grants to organizations dedicated to attracting tourists to their communities. The fall funds will be split among 14 communities across the Sunflower State for tourism attractions to develop new or have enhancements made to existing sites. Learn more.

National Travel and Tourism Week: 2024 Dates Announced

U.S. Travel announced that National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) will be celebrated next year from May 19-25, 2024. This will be the 41st annual event and a critical opportunity to underscore the importance of the industry to the American economy and beyond. Learn more.

October 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 October.

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 October Highlights

• Total travel spending growth slowed somewhat to 0.8% above last year's levels and was up 3.5% year-to-date through September.
• Air travel demand was up 10% in September compared to the same month last year, but slowed slightly from June and July.
• Hotel demand has remained flat in September for the fifth consecutive month.
• Leisure and hospitality employment increased 4.3% compared to September 2022, the largest gain since January
• Credit card spending on airlines (+3.5%) and cruise lines increased in September compared to the same time last year.
• Overseas arrivals recovered further in September and are now 16% below 2019 levels.

Destination Statehouse registration opens next month! Space will be available for communities to showcase on the 2nd floor Rotunda (registration required).

Irrigation Ales

Located in Courtland (pop 294, the second-smallest brewery town in Kansas, Irrigation Ales is one of the most "pivotal" breweries in the Midwest. Proving small towns can have big flavor and fun. Learn more.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tourism Huddle

Second Wednesday of each month

December 13

TIAK Board Meetings

December 14

TIAK Executive Committee Meetings

2023 meetings are complete

SAVE THE DATES!

Destination Statehouse

February 7 - Topeka

Registration coming next month

Destination Capitol Hill

March 19 - 20, 2024

National Travel & Tourism Week

May 19 - 24, 2024