President's Report

Consider the story of Nicodemus, Kansas. In 1877, amid a nation grappling with the aftermath of the Civil War, a group of formerly enslaved people envisioned a new life of freedom and opportunity on the Kansas prairie. Their journey and the subsequent founding of Nicodemus were not accidental; they were the result of careful planning, pooling resources and a shared commitment to building a self-sufficient community from the ground up. Structures like the A.M.E. Church, restored in 2021, stand as tangible reminders of the foresight and organized efforts that became a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of collective planning in a challenging environment. 

The town’s founders planned against considerable odds to build a thriving community on the prairie. However, just over a decade in, the town's inability to attract the railroad doomed its economic viability. Today, Nicodemus is a National Historic Site. 

If we’ve learned anything recently, it’s that we don’t know what’s around the next corner. Long-term planning is essential for the continued growth and success of tourism in Kansas. TIAK is embarking on the development of a long-term plan that we hope will be a blueprint for tourism in Kansas. We will identify short-term and long-term opportunities and threats, such as funding, workforce challenges, infrastructure needs, political pressures, evolving traveler preferences and more. 

This process is more than just setting objectives; it's about creating a clear roadmap that will guide our priorities and help us best advocate to grow tourism across the state. 

The TIAK Exec Committee is kicking off the process this month, and we plan to have multiple opportunities throughout the year for members to provide input. We aim to complete the project before the start of the 2026 legislative session. Look for more information about how you can get involved over the course of the year.  

Alan Carr

with Visit Kansas City Kansas

CLICK HERE FOR HOTEL ROOM BLOCK INFORMATION

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SPEAKERS AND PANEL

Amy Eastin

Everyday Outdoor Family

Amy Eastin is a Kansas City based influencer, travel blogger, and drone photographer and videographer. She features family fun, outdoor experiences, and unique destinations. She is usually exploring with her 7-year-old identical twins and 5-year-old son. Learn More 

Jeff Bryant

Our Changing Lives

Our Changing Lives is a travel blog that uncovers the hidden gems of North America through authentic, local experiences. With a passion for history, food, and storytelling, Jeff and Crystal invite readers to explore destinations through curios eyes and full hearts. Learn More

Rebecca Burkhart

Through Becs Specs

Rebecca is a global content creator based out of Kansas City, MO. Her content focuses on fun, food, flights, and featured stays around the world. Through Becs Specs content can be found on several social media platforms, including a travel website showcasing top food and fun around the globe. Learn More

TIAK Members attend US Travel's

Destination Capital Hill

Earlier this month, TIAK Members have been in Washington DC this week attending 𝑼𝑺 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍'𝒔 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑯𝒊𝒍𝒍 learning about upcoming legislation that impacts travel, networking with other industry leaders, discussing key tourism issues and meeting with Senator Moran!

My Experience at Destination Capital Hill

by Katie Walkley (Visit OP)

Attending Destination Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. as a first-time participant was a rewarding experience, providing me with the unique opportunity to represent Kansas destinations at the federal level while also engaging with the national issues impacting tourism across the country. U.S. Travel held an excellent briefing session ahead of our legislative meetings, offering a comprehensive breakdown of current tourism challenges, concrete solutions, specific talking points, and a range of speaker perspectives.

One highlight of the trip was presenting Senator Jerry Moran with a Travel Champion Award, which he stepped out of an active committee meeting to accept and speak with our group. Across all our meetings, both legislators and staff demonstrated a strong awareness of tourism issues and expressed their support for the travel industry. Our advocacy focused on several key priorities, including reducing visa wait times ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ensuring robust funding, staffing, and modernization for the aviation sector, maintaining a strong international travel marketing presence, and urging the appointment of a long-overdue Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism.

I was grateful to be accompanied by seasoned attendees who knew all the ins and outs of the event, quite literally as Jim Zaleksi proved a master of the underground tunnels connecting the office buildings. We concluded a productive day by honoring the memory of Kevin Fern and his passion for Destination Capitol Hill with a toast at one of his favorite local pubs. I look forward to returning in future years and remain hopeful that our conversations helped underscore the importance of a strong tourism economy, both for Kansas and for the nation, as we navigate an increasingly complex political landscape.

Since 1983, NTTW has been our industry’s moment to celebrate and amplify travel’s essential role in powering the U.S. economy and strengthening our communities. This year, we’re spotlighting how travel drives a $2.9 trillion economic footprint and supports 15 million American jobs. 

But travel’s impact goes beyond the economy—it brings people together, strengthens our nation's global competitiveness and showcases the best of America to the world. 

NTTW is our opportunity to demonstrate to policymakers, business leaders and the media that travel is essential to America’s future. Let's come together to spotlight an industry that creates opportunity in every corner of the country. 

Explore the NTTW 2025 Toolkit 

U.S. Travel Association has created a ready-to-use toolkit to help you join the celebration, including: 

• Social Media Graphics and Sample Posts 
• Key Messages and Data 
• Sample Proclamation 
• Press Resources 

BKRT POP UP

May 2-3 | Morton County

A project of the Kansas Sampler Foundation - the people of Elkhart, Richfield and Rolla are so excited to host you! Let the BKRT be your magnet to get to this beautiful corner of southwest Kansas.

The event will provide first-hand experiences in these three rural communities. Akin to a giant open house, these attractions and businesses know you're coming. Just choose where you want to go and when you want to go. Create your own schedule. Do what sounds fun to you! Learn More HERE!

Don't Turn A Blind Eye to AI

hosted by South Central Kansas Tourism Region

Miss the 2025 Kansas Tourism Conference, or simply feel that you need additional time with Burton Kelso to learn more about the use of AI? Here’s an affordable opportunity to learn more and fine tune your skills!

South Central Kansas Tourism Region will be hosting “Don't Turn A Blind Eye to AI.” This thought-provoking program explores the art and science of prompt engineering, a crucial skill for maximizing the potential of AI tools. Learn how to craft clear, concise, and creative prompts that elicit insightful responses, generate innovative ideas, and

solve complex problems. Discover strategies for tailoring prompts to specific

AI models and applications, ensuring that you get the most out of your AI interactions. giving hands on training on how to use generative tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Co-Pilot and Meta.AI. Also talking about how to use prompts, staying safe from AI cyber threats and using AI legally.

Presenter: Burton Kelson (learn more about who Burton is HERE)

Who: Anyone interested in utilizing AI for marketing

Date: June 25, 2025

Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm (registration desk and convention doors open at noon)

Where: Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th St, Great Bend, KS 67530

Cost: $25 per person. Pre registration required for the event

Local Consult is KDOT’s public engagement process for the IKE program, held every two years to gather input from Kansans on potential expansion and modernization projects in each region. This process helps strengthen local partnerships, identify the KDOT programs that matter most to communities, and gather feedback on how KDOT can improve delivery.

Strong turnout at these events is critical in showing how important transportation is for our Kansas communities and businesses. Please click the link for the 2025 schedule, and we hope you will plan to attend!

The TRAIL Program—standing for Tourism, Redevelopment, Aid, Innovation, and Legacy—is a charitable initiative powered by Boot Hill Casino & Resort, dedicated to driving tourism and economic vitality across Southwestern Kansas. Through annual funding, the program supports events, organizations, and community projects across 22 counties (Wild West Country), strengthening the region’s appeal and long-term growth. The TRAIL is expanding its impact by launching a new scholarship initiative with Fort Hays State University, investing in the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals. Additionally, TRAIL is proud to support current Southwest Kansas tourism professionals by offering discounted registration for the annual TIAK Tourism Conference. Learn more at BootHillTrail.com

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.

U.S. Travel warns of declining international

inbound travel

U.S. Travel Association is raising the alarm about declining international inbound travel, citing "a question of America's welcomeness, a slowing US economy and recent safety concerns." "These challenges are real and demand decisive action," the organization said, adding that it is "actively working with the White House and Congress to advance policies that drive economic expansion and keep the US competitive on the global stage." Read the full story here

Amtrak books business for rural Midwest towns

Amtrack ridership has surged in Minnesota and North Dakota since 2021, with Minnesota seeing a 176% increase and North Dakota experiencing an 89.5% rise, highlighting the importance of long distance trains to rural communities. Amtrak stations are not only a transportation alternative for locals, but attract travelers from surrounding areas and Canada who frequent hotels and restaurants before getting on the train. Read the full story here

International travel to US down 11.6% in March

The National Travel & Tourism Office reported that overseas travel to the US fell 11.6% in March compared with 2024 and is down 3.3% for the year to date. Visitors from Western Europe fell 17.2% in March, from the Middle East by 17.7%, South America 10.4%, Central America 23.9% and Mexico 23.2%; the statistics do not include Canadian visitors. "We'd like to see that clear message right now, that Canadians, Europeans, all travelers, are encouraged to come to the United States," U.S. Travel CEO Geoff Freeman told a congressional committee April 8, adding: "That message could be sent more loudly right now." Read the full story here

Commerce Awards Over $1.5 Million to Help Fund Downtown Revitalization Projects

The Kansas Department of Commerce awarded over $1.5 million in HEAL funding to support 19 downtown revitalization projects across Kansas, leveraging nearly $7.9 million in total investment. The program transforms vacant historic buildings into vibrant spaces for business, housing, and community use, boosting rural economies and engagement. Recent projects include a retro arcade, gym expansion, new housing, and building restorations in small towns. Read More

Commerce Awards CDBG Grants to Support Commercial Revitalization Projects

Lieutenant Governor David Toland announced $758,250 in Community Development Block Grant funding for commercial revitalization projects in Burlingame, Lyon County, and Overbrook. These grants support local economic growth by improving the appearance and functionality of key downtown properties, including a gym, a multi-use commercial space, and an ice cream shop. The program, which has $2.05 million in remaining funds, helps rehabilitate blighted structures to boost community vibrancy and business viability across Kansas. Read More

Labor Market Report

Please find the link below to the Labor Market report. The April 2025 Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 16, 2025.

March 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”.

March 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 March.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tourism Huddle

Second Wednesday of each month

May 14

TIAK Educational Seminar

June 5

TIAK Executive Committee Meetings

June 4

July 10

September 11

November 13

TIAK Board Meetings

June 5

August 14

October 9

December 11

Event Dates

Kansas Tourism Conference

October 20-21 - Manhattan

Registration opens in June