Salina Post
The Kansas Department of Commerce (KDOC) has awarded $100,000 in grant funding for the support of 20 new tourism marketing projects across the state.
Some of those projects include:
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.
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.
According to the KDOC, these projects will help communities elevate their advertising efforts and inspire new visitors to explore Kansas.
“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,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David 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.”
KDOC stated the 20 grant recipients will invest more than $177,000 in matching funds towards approved marketing projects.
Visit Abilene and Kansas I-70 Association President, Julie Roller-Weeks was present to accept the grant from the KDOC.
The Kansas I-70 Association, was founded in 1989 by 12 communities along I-70 in Kansas. I-70 member communities include Goodland, Colby, Oakley, WaKeeney, Hays, Russell, Salina, Abilene, Junction City, Manhattan, Topeka, Lecompton, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Bonner Springs, Shawnee and Kansas City.
The association’s purpose is to achieve an increase in economic benefit to communities located along I-70 from travelers on I-70. The association will accomplish this by attracting additional travelers and by encouraging travelers to visit more communities and their attractions along I-70 in Kansas.