Empowering Kansas Tourism

Explore TIAK’s resources to grow your organization, stay informed, and promote Kansas as a top travel destination.

From marketing tools to legislative updates, the Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) provides the resources you need to succeed in the tourism industry.

Current Industry Insights

Stay Informed with TIAK Newsletters

TIAK members receive exclusive monthly newsletters packed with the latest tourism industry updates, trends, and opportunities.

2026
KDS Point Standings
  • KDS Complete Point List – June 2026
  • KDS Complete Point List – September 15, 2025
  • KDS Designees Renewal Points List – October 2024
  • The cutoff to submit your points/forms for this year is September 26, 2026.
  • Earn 25 points by attending education conferences, seminars, webinars, trainings, etc. Points accumulate as follows: half point for webinar or seminar; one point for half-day session; two points for full-day session; and three points for two or more days. TIAK events are automatically awarded credit. For all other educational events, candidate must submit the Education Session Follow-up Form (above) within the same year as the event was conducted.
  • Read and complete three book reports – one from each category. Categories include: Kansas, Marketing and Leadership.
  • Visit one Kansas attraction, 50+ miles from home, and submit the visiting attraction form. Earn one point for each attraction.

After initial renewal, renewal takes place for all KDS members on every even-numbered year. Failure to renew results in restarting the designation program over again.

  • Renewing members must complete at least two of the following requirements:
  • Read and complete one book report form (any category).
  • Visit one Kansas attraction, 50+ miles from home, and submit the visiting attraction form.
  • Obtain one education point. The KS Tourism Conference and Day on the Hill count for this requirement automatically. Other education sessions require the education session follow-up form to be submitted.
  • Submit four reports from webinars you participated in using the educational session follow-up form. TIAK webinars automatically count towards this effort.
  • Submit four reports from online articles or industry publications with the appropriate renewal form above.
  • Submit all reports via email to tourism@cityofliberal.org

Elevate Your Expertise

Become a Kansas Destination Specialist

The Kansas Destination Specialist (KDS) certification program equips you with in-depth knowledge of Kansas attractions, tourism marketing, and leadership skills.

Tackling Tourism Issues

Insights from TIAK White Papers

TIAK’s Education Committee produces white papers addressing key tourism needs and challenges facing Kansas.
Renew Freedom’s Frontier
Attractions/Museums

Powering Tourism Together

TIAK Partners

TIAK Partners play a vital role in advancing Kansas tourism. Their support drives our mission to promote the state as a premier travel destination.

Your Media Resource

Connect with Kansas Media

Access TIAK’s Kansas Media Listing for key contacts at media outlets across the state.

2026 KANSAS MEDIA LIST
KS PRESS ASSOCIATION ONLINE DIRECTORY
Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director (Full-Time)
Organization: Grow Ellsworth County
Reports to: Board of Directors
Location:Ellsworth, Kansas

Position Summary
Are you an advocate for rural communities? Do you enjoy building relationships with the public as much as working behind the scenes? If you’re ready to help shape the next chapter of progress in Ellsworth County, we’d love to meet you.

The Executive Director provides leadership for Grow Ellsworth County and its economic development, community development, and travel/tourism initiatives.

This position works closely with the Board of Directors, businesses, government entities, community leaders, regional and state partners, and residents to identify opportunities, develop partnerships, and advance economic growth throughout Ellsworth County.

The Executive Director is expected to be a visible, engaged leader who can balance strategic planning with the day-to-day work required to move projects forward.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS

APPLY HERE

Kickstart Your Tourism Career

Tourism Careers with TIAK

TIAK is your go-to source for tourism jobs and internships in Kansas. Find opportunities to grow your career or post job opportunities within your organization.