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Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that $100,000 has been awarded to support 20 new tourism marketing projects across Kansas. These projects will help communities elevate their advertising efforts and inspire new visitors to explore the Sunflower State.

“Tourism is a powerful driver of economic growth — and these grants help communities market attractions that tell unique stories in ways that bring more visitors and create new opportunities,” Toland said. “Last year, tourism contributed $8.2 billion in visitor spending to the state’s economy — and we’re committed to supporting our local partners who are working to strengthen communities by expanding Kansas’ visibility.”

In total, the 20 grant recipients will invest more than $177,000 in matching funds towards approved marketing projects.

Several standout initiatives from this year’s awardees showcase the creativity and collaboration happening across Kansas:

Trek Passport App: Nemaha, Jackson, Doniphan and Brown are partnering to create a new Trek Northeast Kansaspassport app, offering themed tours that encourage deeper regional exploration.

Digital Passport Program: Kansas I-70 Association is developing an interactive digital passport program tied to both World Cup travel and the America 250 celebration, giving visitors new ways to experience attractions along the corridor.

FIFA World Cup Campaign: Wabaunsee County Economic Development is launching a targeted marketing campaign aimed at FIFA World Cup travelers, highlighting the Flint Hills and nearby attractions to an international audience.

Tour die-Kapellen: Hays Area Bicyclists Inc. is preparing a campaign to boost out-of-state participation in the annual Tour die-Kapellen bike and bus tour, spotlighting the region’s striking limestone churches.

These projects — along with many others — demonstrate the innovative approaches communities are taking to inspire travel and elevate tourism in Kansas. To view the full list of Tourism Marketing Grant awardees, visit https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/marketing-grants/.

“Through these grants, we’re able to help communities bring fresh ideas forward and shine a spotlight on what makes them unique,” said Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe. “Each project individually reflects the dedication of our partners, and together we’re inviting new audiences to discover the remarkable experiences found across the state.”

For more information about Kansas Tourism grants, visit https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/ or contact Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Babette Dixon at babette.dixon1@ks.gov.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About Kansas Tourism

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination.

Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.