Tagged: tourism

Wichita’s convention business drives about $45 million a year to the city’s economy. It’s a competitive business, marketing the city and promoting tourism.

Go Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau got a new leader late last year, Susie Santo, who is excited about promoting Wichita to the rest of the country.

State officials say travel and tourism in Kansas generated almost $8 billion in 2011. Becky Blake, the state director of tourism, says 32 million people visited Kansas in 2011 -- and each visitor spent about $236.

Abilene, Kan., has been recognized by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the 20 best small towns to visit. The article, titled “The 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2013” appears in Smithsonian Magazine’s April issue.

Abilene, which is just east of Salina off of highway 70 and has a population of 6,800, comes in at number 17 and is featured among well-known small towns like Gettysburg, Penn. and Sausalito, Calif. 

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback announced the formation of the Kansas Ecotourism Steering Committee Wednesday at Wichita’s Great Plains Nature Center.

Gov. Brownback says the 16-member steering committee will help guide ecotourism efforts as well as recommend objectives and marketing strategies to grow the industry in the state.

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Robin Jennison will spearhead the group.