NW Kansans win awards for promoting the Sunflower State

KDWPT

TOPEKA – Kansas tourism professionals presented several awards at the 2016 Kansas Tourism Conference awards banquet held October 19, 2016 at the Embassy Suites in Olathe, Kan. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) presented the following awards:

Governor’s Tourism Award – Jerry Moran has been a long-time supporter and ambassador of the Kansas tourism industry. He served as the first chair of the Governor’s Tourism Council, leading the way for recognition of tourism’s role in the economic vitality of our state. He has actively supported federal policy encouraging travel and supports ongoing efforts to expand agritourism as an enhanced revenue opportunity for Kansas farmers and ranchers. What’s more, he has visited every county in the state. The award recognizes Kansans for outstanding contributions to the travel and tourism industry and is presented to an individual or group that demonstrates cooperation, sustainability, quality and accountability in their support of the growth of tourism in Kansas.

Kansas Tourism Partnership Award – The 24/7 Travel Stores were honored for requiring that all employees take the “Kansas At Your Service” hospitality training program. The 24/7 Travel Stores front- line staff are typically the first to greet travelers crossing our state and are an important piece to the tourism industry by offering the best service possible. The award recognizes the importance of collaboration in the successful development of tourism in Kansas.

Kansas’ Finest Award – El Dean Holthus, Smith Center , community advocate and proprietor of the Home on the Range Cabin; Tobe Zweygart, St. Francis, historian and tour guide of the Arikaree Breaks; Cheryl Unruh, Emporia, author of Flyover People; Charlie Meade, Dodge City, special duty marshal and walking guide; and Hannah Heatherman, Ottawa, student and Bike Across Kansas committee member. The Kansas’ Finest award recognizes and honors advocates who promote the state’s attributes and maintain an abiding love for the sunflower state, exhibiting passion, perseverance, and pride in promoting destinations with statewide significance and national or international relevance.

“These awards highlight the vital role of dedicated individuals and organizations in growing the tourism industry in Kansas. Through their partnership, Kansas tourism will continue to be a significant part of the state’s economy,” said Linda Craghead, KDWPT Assistant Secretary for Parks and Tourism.

The Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) also recognized its membership’s top marketing talent. TIAK Marketing Awards focus on overall marketing initiatives and recognize state-level winners only.

People’s Choice: Marysville Convention & Tourism was honored for its first annual Light Up Marysville Christmas lighting contest as an integrated marketing campaign. More than 50 local residences and businesses participated in the event.
In-House Designed Visitor Guide: Visit Wichita won for its 2016 Official Wichita Visitors Guide, designed to be a one-stop, absolute source for guests visiting the city. Visit Topeka received second place with their Visit Topeka Visitor Guide, and Honorable Mention went to Geary County Convention & Visitors Bureau for their Junction City/Geary County Visitor Guide.
Outsourced Visitor Guide: eXplore Lawrence was awarded for its 2015-16 Unmistakably Lawrence Visitor Guide, which integrated the printed guide with digital identity. Merriam Visitors Bureau received second place with their 2016 Merriam Community & Visitors Guide, and Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau received Honorable Mention for their 2016 Kansas City, KS Visitors Guide.
Online Marketing: Visit Topeka was recognized for its redesigned website with its new responsive design that improves mobile functionality and increases social engagement. Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau received second place for its redesigned website that reflects the diverse offerings of the destination, and eXplore Lawrence received Honorable Mention for its Social Lounge to increase social media engagement and inspire travel to and within Lawrence.
Integrated Campaign: Emporia Convention & Visitors Bureau was honored for its promotion of the Dirty Kanza 200 Bike Race, increasing awareness and attention to the sport. Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau received second place for their “SelfieMadeSummer” Campaign educating visitors on what there is to do in Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas Turnpike Authority received Honorable Mention for its K-TAG Campaign to increase usage of its electronic toll collection program.
Print Marketing: Kansas I-70 Association won for its “70 Things to do on I-70” publication, which provided a clean and updated brochure listing attractions, events and things to do along I-70. Wamego Area Chamber of Commerce received second place for their Tourism Rack Card, a two-sided die-cut rack card featuring Wamego attractions and top events, and Visit Wichita received Honorable Mention for their Meeting Planner Guide to combat the lack of knowledge about Wichita within the meetings industry.
Community Awareness: Kansas Turnpike Authority was honored for its 60th Anniversary Video celebrating the good work, achievements and benefits of the Kansas Turnpike. Merriam Visitors Bureau received second place for its 10-year open house celebration of the Merriam Historic Plaza, and eXplore Lawrence received Honorable Mention for its Unmistakably Lawrence Pokemon Go Guide to familiarize locals with the Unmistakably Lawrence brand.
Traditional Multi-Media: Visit Wichita won for the launch of its largest and most comprehensive campaign in its history, emphasizing the reasons to visit Wichita. eXplore Lawrence received second place for its Cradle of Basketball promotional video. There was no Honorable Mention in this category.

“The travel industry is a vibrant part of the Kansas economy and I am very pleased that we were able to honor the creativity of tourism professionals from Goodland to Kansas City, Wichita to Marysville. These individuals work hard every day to promote our state as a destination for visitors and their marketing expertise received some well-deserved recognition through these awards.” said TIAK president Suzan Barnes.