Volume 22, Issue 6 | June 2025 | | |
Published monthly for members of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas. | | |
President's Report
We are about halfway through the year, so it’s probably a good time to confess something: I’ve been using this column each month to experiment with AI. Some months to polish what I already wrote. Sometimes to shorten the length, come up with a compelling lead, or find the perfect examples and anecdotes. One month, I gave AI two unrelated ideas and asked it to give me a column. The result that was published was nearly 100% written by AI (I’ll let you figure out which month that was).
AI isn’t just coming, it’s here and can have a profound impact on our jobs, organizations and everyday life. I am now using AI multiple times a day. Recently, Gemini researched development agencies for me and wrote an RFP for a fundraising initiative. One of the respondents said it was the most well-crafted RFP he’d ever received (and I confessed that I knew very little about the subject, but Gemini did). I frequently ask AI for recipes, like this AI macaroni salad that I’ve made twice now.
So, if you aren’t experimenting with AI, get started. Free versions are integrated in many programs you already use, from Microsoft Teams to Google. And paid versions, like the one-year Gemini Pro subscription that came with my new phone, offer even more features.
| |
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite tools at the moment. As Gemini explained when I asked for a summary, “NotebookLM is an AI-powered research and note-taking assistant developed by Google. Think of it as a personalized AI expert that's specifically trained on your documents and information, rather than the entire internet” [emphasis by Gemini]. I uploaded 26 documents related to our KCK Taco Trail to create a case study on the project, which it called the “KCK Taco Trail Phenomenon.” My favorite part is the Audio Overview, which is an AI generated podcast-style deep dive of the material. Even the voices are AI.
Alan Carr
with Visit Kansas City Kansas
| | | | |
#KTC25
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
| |
|
We invite you to be a part of the Kansas tourism industry's "don't miss" conference of the year.
Registration is now open! Join us October 20-21 in at the Manhattan Conference Center to 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!
| | | | Educational Seminar Recap | | Earlier this month, TIAK held a Educational Seminar, The Social Compass - Navigating Trends & Influencers in Travel. It kicked off with a fun member networking event the night before, consisting of a Taco Trail Tour - thanks to Visit KCK for sponsoring! | | The next morning's seminar began with the opening hour, led by Lee Page of Page Communications, explored the latest social media trends and strategies, equipping communities to maximize their impact on social platforms. And the second hour featured a panel of Kansas City-area influencers sharing insights and practical tips for collaborating with influencers to effectively promote your community and destinations. Thank you Amy Eastin with Everyday Outdoor Family, Jeff Bryant with Our Changing Lives, Rebecca Burkhurt with Through Becs Specs and Jasmine Jones with The Jazzy Review! | | Kansas Destination Specialist (KDS) | |
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
| |
Kansas State Wildlife
Action Plan
Kansas' State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), previously known as the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan, provides a comprehensive vision for managing Kansas' fish, wildlife, and wildlife habitats. A coalition of more than 3,000 conservation organizations known as Teaming with Wildlife, worked to keep species from becoming endangered by increasing state and federal funding for wildlife conservation. Learn More
| | | Kansas Tourism Industry Huddle | | 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. | |
Travel to US Faces $8.5B Loss in 2025
Spending by foreign visitors to the US is projected to decrease by $8.5 billion this year, a 5% drop from 2024, and international arrivals are expected to fall 9%, Tourism Economics reported. The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates a "staggering" $12.5 billion decrease in spending from international visitors in 2025, a "direct blow to the U.S. economy over, impacting communities, jobs, and businesses from coast to coast." Read More
| |
"Land snorkeling" among new travel terms
New York Times review of trending travel terms includes some familiar ideas, like "duplicate destinations" that stand in for similar, crowded locales, but also ideas like "townsizing" and "land snorkeling." Those terms refer to choosing small towns instead of big cities and to walks that focus on absorbing the details of the traveler's surroundings the way a snorkeler would on a coral reef. Read More
| |
Podcast: U.S. Travel Association CEO on challenges, future
Geoff Freeman, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the US travel industry in a podcast recorded during IPW with Afar deputy editor Michelle Baran. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Freeman highlights a $12 billion loss in tourism revenue due to a decline in international visitors, the need to reduce visa wait times and improve customs efficiency, and the importance of addressing the perception that the US is unwelcoming to tourists. Read More
| |
U.S Travel Calls for Focus on Inbound Tourism
The U.S. Travel Association's IPW conference in Chicago delivered a consistent message that action is needed to entice international visitors to the US. "The total direct spending value of the travel industry in the United States is $1.3 trillion every year, and almost $200 million of that comes from international visitors, yet over the last decade, America has lost ground in the global travel market," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman, adding: "To reclaim our share, we must deliver a stronger, more seamless experience that meets the expectations of today's international travelers." Read More
| |
FIFA World Cup 26
Kansas City will host six matches from the FIFA World Cup 26, including four group fixtures and two knockout games.
Missouri's own Jadie Arnett created Kansas City's official Host City Poster design
'To learn more about FIFA 2026 Kansas City
| | | |
Please find the link below to the April Labor Market report. The May 2025 Labor Report will be released on Friday, June 20, 2025.
April 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”.
| | |
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:
Monthly and YTD Comparisons
Kansas had 61% property participation and 77% hotel room participation in April.
| | |
Bright & Carpenter Consulting:
Team Transitions & New Additions
| | |
We want to share a quick update regarding some exciting transitions happening at Bright & Carpenter Consulting.
Farewell and Best Wishes to Amy Billquist
As many of you know, Amy Billquist has accepted a new role as Vice President of Communications and Events with the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. While we will deeply miss her incredible attention to detail and dedication, we are thrilled for Amy and this new opportunity for her and her family. Please join us in wishing her all the best in this next chapter!
New Team Members
With change comes opportunity, and we’re excited to announce the expansion of our team with several talented professionals.
| | |
Joelle Peterson – Events & Website Management
We are delighted to welcome Joelle Peterson, who will be stepping into Amy’s former role. Joelle brings over 30 years of event planning experience, having worked with church groups, schools, nonprofits, travel organizations, and businesses. Notably, she has worked with The New Theatre & Restaurant, the Overland Park CVB, and currently supports her family’s business, Bichelmeyer Meats, by managing their website and social media.
📧 Contact Joelle: events@brightcarpenter.com
| | |
Julie Haag – Membership Services
We are also pleased to introduce Julie Haag, who will assist with membership coordination for several associations managed by Bright & Carpenter. Julie holds a Communications degree from the University of Kansas and brings 25 years of experience in consulting, sales, and marketing. She will be working on both membership and event needs across our statewide associations.
📧 Contact Julie: office@brightcarpenter.com
| | |
Sara Baker – Communications & Legislative Support
Joining earlier this year, Simply Administrative LLC, Sara Baker offers specialized communications and legislative support. With a background in the hotel industry and a passion for helping professionals streamline their day-to-day tasks, Sara founded her company in 2007 to provide expert-level administrative services across various sectors.
Sara is a dedicated professional who values efficiency, attention to detail, and empowering clients to focus on what they do best. Outside of work, she enjoys time outdoors with her husband of 17 years, their three boys (a 16-year-old and 13-year-old twins), and their two beloved dogs—Gunner (a goldendoodle) and Tucker (a golden mountain doodle).
| |
We appreciate your patience and support during this transition. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Natalie Bright Marlee Carpenter
Natalie@brightcarpenter.com Marlee@brightcarpenter.com
| | |
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Tourism Huddle
Second Wednesday of each month
July 9
TIAK Executive Committee Meetings
July 10
September 11
November 13
TIAK Board Meetings
August 14
October 9
December 11
Event Dates
Kansas Tourism Conference
October 20-21 - Manhattan
| | | | |
