Kansas Destination Specialist

One of the many benefits of membership in the Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) is the KANSAS DESTINATION SPECIALIST certification program designed to familiarize and further one’s knowledge of the State of Kansas, tourism marketing and leadership.

First-time Certification
To earn the Kansas Destination Specialist certification, candidates must accumulate 25 education points and complete three book reports. The 2009 point cut-off for KDS certification is Friday, October 2, 2009.

Workshops, seminars and other educational events related to tourism are conducted periodically throughout the year. Points are awarded based on the length of the presentation: half day = 1 point; full day = 2 points; two or more days = 3 points. All TIAK and Kansas Department of Tourism (KS T&T) sanctioned events are automatically designated for points. The Kansas Tourism Conference is worth 3 points annually. If you are attending a seminar not hosted by TIAK or KS T&T, you must submit seminar approval form at least one month prior to the conference and complete the seminar attendance form upon return (please take to conference for verification of attendance). Educational conferences do not have to be held in Kansas. Once a conference is pre-approved it will be added to the pre-approved conference list. An attendance form is still required for the conference on the pre-approved list (unless hosted by TIAK or KS T&T).

Three book reports, one from each assigned reading category, must also be submitted and approved by the TIAK Education Committee for final designation. Members are encouraged to suggest additional books and/or materials to be added to the approved reading list.

Renewing Certification
After receiving the KDS certification, renewal is required on a bi-annual basis. To renew, two of the tourism related activities listed below must be completed in the appropriate time frame.  For all currently designated KDS individuals, the next renewal date is October 2010.

• Attend the annual tourism conference.
• Attend a tourism education related event (pre-approved by KDS Committee).
• Read a book on the approved reading list and submit a book report form.
• Visit a Kansas attraction located at least 50 miles from home and submit the attraction written narrative form.

 Important Documents/Forms

• Current KDS Designees
• Current Point Standings
• Approved Reading List
• Book Report Form
• Pre-approved Educational Opportunities
• Request for Seminar Approval Form
• Seminar Attendance Form
• Attraction Written Narrative Form (Renewing KDS Only)

To submit reports via email at agarton@opcvb.org or mail to:
Amy Garton, Overland Park CVB
9001 W. 110th Street, Suite 100
Overland Park, KS 66210

Upon approval from the TIAK Education Committee, members will be notified via email, along with remaining points necessary for designation.

For more information, please contact Amy Garton at 913-491-0123 or Karen Crane at 913-403-8999.