TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism has been awarded two grants totaling 70-thousand, 350-dollars. One for the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau and the other for Exploration Place in Wichita. The money will be used to help the organizations with their marketing efforts. The grants are funded through the Attraction Development Grant Program, and will be matched by a total of 789-thousand, 274-dollars from the two recipients.
The Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau, representing the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway, will receive 40-thousand, 350-dollars to help market the byway through e-marketing, targeted trade show attendance, online and print advertising. They will leverage 60-thousand, 528-dollars and in-kind contributions toward the total project cost of 100-thousand, 878-dollars.
Exploration Place, Inc., in Wichita will receive 30-thousand dollars to assist with marketing “Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination” an interactive science and technology exhibit. Exploration Place, Inc. will leverage 728-thousand, 746-dollars towards the total project cost of 758-thousand, 746-dollars.
“We are pleased to support these exciting tourism attractions in Kansas,” said Tourism Director Becky Blake. “As travelers seek new travel experiences, it’s important to assist our communities in developing attractions that will draw visitors and enhance economic development. The Attraction Development Grant Program is a great tool to help tourism destinations maximize their potential.”
The Attraction Development Grant Program assists in developing and marketing authentic experiences that encourage travelers to visit Kansas. Grants may be used for various activities necessary to expand the tourism product base or develop new attractions. The program funds up to 40 percent of a project, with the community or business funding the remaining 60 percent. Funding for the Tourism Attraction Development Grant Program comes from the Economic Development Initiatives Fund, which is derived from state lottery proceeds.
For more information, contact Regina Nicol, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism at (785) 296-6777 or email Regina.Nicol@travelks.com.