TIAK Talk
is published monthly for members of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas.
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PRESIDENT'S REPORT
By Kelly Peetoom
2020 is definitely the year of change for all of us. But for the travel industry, 2020 may have other meanings and outcomes still waiting to be seen.
We started off the year with a high - an amazing Super Bowl win by our Kansas City Chiefs. A feat not achieved by the team in over 50 years. But soon after that victory, our industry was turned upside down from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some lowlights so far:
- Depression level unemployment for the travel industry of over 50%.
- Economic impact is nine times worse than 9/11.
- Multiple hotel closures.
- Bookings cancelled through 2020.
As we all struggle through an unknown future, I encourage us to focus on how we can change our roles as destination marketers. I know many of us have already begun refocusing marketing plans, strategies, roles of employees, and measurements of success.
These readjustments show our ability to adapt and change. Some tips to keep in mind:
- Be willing to change.
- Become the steward of your destination.
- Revisit your measurements of success.
- Communicate with staff, boards, and elected officials.
- Listen, Listen, Listen.
Everyone have a great summer, and I'm looking forward to seeing you in October at the Kansas Tourism Conference.
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#KTC20
It has been quite a year and we think our industry needs some TLC! Are you ready to take care of travel and tourism at the 2020 Kansas Tourism Conference, October 19-21, in Liberal?
We invite you to be a part of the Kansas tourism industry's "don't miss" conference of the year. Registration is now open! 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!
Once on the events page, simply click the "Register Now" button in the Conference Dates section. Registration is easy and you may pay by either credit card or check.
We've added some new levels this year. 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!
Don't forget to make your hotel reservations, too! We look forward to celebrating travel and tourism with you in October. Contact the TIAK Office for registration assistance or questions at
office@tiak.org
or 785-233-9465.
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Biweekly COVID-19 Webinars
TIAK, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, has changed their COVID-19 Updates to every other week.
Mark your calendars for the next one on July 1
. Zoom login information is emailed on the Monday before.
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Kansas Tourism Hires Tourism PR and Communications Manager
The Kansas Tourism division is excited to announce Colby Sharples-Terry as the new Tourism Public Relations and Communications Manager.
Many of you already know Colby in her role for the past four years as Fiscal, Signage & Grants Manager for the state tourism office. Before coming to the state, Colby served as a regional manager in the beauty industry covering Overland Park, Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan and Wichita.
Read more.
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Travel Community Praises Passage of National Parks Bill
U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement on Senate passage of the Great American Outdoors Act (
H.R. 1957
):
“Our national parks are more critical centers of travel and tourism than ever, and the Senate has done a very wise thing to prioritize this legislation to support their upkeep. In addition to the greatly positive impact on the infrastructure and maintenance needs at national parks, and this bill will also help protect the use of public lands for the travel- and tourism-dependent recreation industry.
Read more
.
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Tourism Cares Project
Several members have expressed an interest in benefitting the host community of the TIAK Annual Tourism Conference each year. For 2020, the Liberal CVB has chosen the
Liberal Area Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Services
(LARC DVS) as the recipient of this new Tourism Cares Project.
LARC DVS serves Grant, Haskell, Morton, Seward, Stanton, and Stevens counties with offices in Liberal, Elkhart, Hugoton, Satanta, and Ulysses. They currently employ 11 advocates, an intake specialist, and an executive director. All services are provided free and confidential to anyone in need. In 2019, they provided services to 544 unduplicated individuals (with 431 of those being new individuals) and sheltered 48.
Donated items are either used by those in the shelter or provided to clients as they begin new lives. If you would like to participate in this giving opportunity, below is a list of requested items:
- Towels: bath, hand & washcloth
- Bed Sheets, blankets & comforters, pillows: Twin & Full
- Personal toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, disposal razors, deodorant, tampons & pads, toothpaste & toothbrushes
- Household: Laundry soap, fabric softener, bleach, household cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, paper towels, toilet tissue, glass cleaner, etc.
- Food Items: all non-perishable
Please bring your donations to the annual conference for LARC DVS to collect. To learn more about the organization, visit
larcdvs.com
.
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May 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:
Kansas had 62% property participation and 74% hotel room participation in May.
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Welcome New Member
Rutlader Outpost RV Park
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 4, Topeka or by Zoom
TIAK Board Meetings
August 13, by email
October 19, Liberal
December 10, Abilene
TIAK Executive Committee Meetings
July 9, by phone
September 10, by phone
November 12, Cottonwood Falls Retreat
Kansas Tourism Conference
October 19-21, 2020 in Liberal
October 18-20, 2021 in Wichita
TOURISM WEBINARS
Coupon code: TravelKS
July 2
July 9
July 16
July 23
July 30
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