Volume 21, Issue 12 | December 2024

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

President's Report


Where has 2024 gone? It is hard to believe that we are just days from the beginning of a new year full of new ideas and opportunities!

 

As the year closes, I want to thank those of you that made TIAK successful over the past year. Marlee and Natalie, thank you for representing us well at the statehouse, and for keeping us organized and informed. To the TIAK Board, thank you for attending meetings and for providing valuable insights into current needs and aspirations of tourism. And, to the TIAK committees, thank you for educating us, moving the membership needle forward, encouraging each of us to work collectively to affect policy…and more.

 

I look forward to passing the baton to Alan Carr and watching him lead the way in 2025. Alan’s experience will bring new insights to TIAK and we will all enjoy learning more from him as the FIFA World Cup quickly approaches. What a great time for Alan to lead!

 

Lastly, thank you for allowing me to work with each of you as president. I appreciate the deep friendships that have developed over the years within the TIAK family. Regardless of the size of community, office staff, or budget, we all bring our unique life experiences to the table that create a “sky is the limit” work environment. Kansas tourism would not be what it is without each and every one of you working together to promote the whole.

 

To the Stars…

 

Holly

Destination Statehouse


Destination Statehouse registration is open! Join us on February 12, 2025 and connect with travel leaders from around the state as we join forces to collectively educate our legislators on why travel matters in Kansas. Speak directly with them in February about the issues that are important to our success.


The Destination Statehouse event page has all the information you need to plan your day of advocacy in Topeka, including a dynamic agenda that will be updated as the event draws near. And plan to join the January 8th Tourism Huddle to understand how to prepare for the event.


Space will be available for communities to bring banners and pop ups to represent your community on the 1st floor Rotunda.


Sponsorships are available! As we prepare for this event, we encourage all TIAK members to partner with us in making this the most productive, yet fun experience to date. Click here to view sponsorship opportunities.

Register to attend or sponsor!

2027 KTC RFP

 

Proposals are being sought for the 2027 Kansas Tourism Conference. Proposals should be submitted through coordinated community efforts of the local DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) such as the Chamber, CVB, City in cooperation with lodging, meeting, and attractions facilities to be considered. CVBs and DMOs that are TIAK members will be given preference. Conference locations will be balanced between regions.

View the RFP

Member Survey

Membership Survey: We Need Your Feedback

 

TIAK is surveying members for information on size, budget, and TGT dollars so that we can better serve you through the allocation of membership levels, marketing awards levels, and other related items.

Take the Survey

Sunflower Snapshots

In Case You Missed "Sunflower Snapshot" Series – Your Ultimate Guide to TIAK & Kansas Tourism!

 

Are you new to the tourism industry or exploring Kansas for the first time? Our video series, "Sunflower Snapshots," is here to answer all your questions and help you navigate the vibrant world of Kansas tourism.

 

Series Overview:

Our 15-part video series covers everything a newcomer needs to know and insider tips for industry professionals. Each video is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge to make the most out of your Kansas Tourism experience.

 

Join us on this exciting adventure and let "Sunflower Snapshots" be your guide to navigating the tourism world with us in the Sunflower State.

View the Snapshots

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.

In the News

KDOT Exploring Road Usage Charge to Replace Gas Tax

The Kansas Department of Transportation has completed a study on replacing the state's gas tax with a road usage charge. But Republican lawmakers said the fee would harm rural Kansans. Learn more.

KDOT Cost Estimates for Kansas Passenger Rail Service

The Kansas Department of Transportation estimates it will cost $311 million to restore Amtrak passenger rail service from Oklahoma City to Newton that was abandoned nearly half a century ago. Learn more.

Labor Report

Labor Market Report

Please find the link below to the Labor Market report. The December 2024 Labor Report will be released on Friday, January 24, 2025.


November 2024 Labor Market Report: https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==  


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”.

Travel Trends

November 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 November.

TIAK Talk


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tourism Huddle

Second Wednesday of each month

January 8


TIAK Executive Committee Meetings

January 9

March 13

June 4

July 10

September 11

November 13


TIAK Board Meetings

February 13

April 10

June 5

August 14

October 9

December 11


Event Dates

Destination Statehouse

February 12 - Topeka


Kansas Tourism Conference

October 20-21 - Manhattan

Registration opens in June