TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, Monday announced the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau is among 22 awardees across the state to share $117,780 in the 2023 Tourism Marketing Grant Awards Program. The Great Bend CVB will receive $2,849.

The grants are designed to assist local tourism organizations or attractions in new or first-time innovative marketing initiatives. These will enhance and expand advertising efforts to attract new visitors to Kansas and to their destinations.

Also among the recipients, Russell County Economic Development and CVB will receive $3,280.

“Supporting tourist attractions and unique local events across the state just makes good business sense,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Kansas benefits greatly from the $11.2B in total economic impact that the travel and tourism generates annually, and the Department of Commerce will continue providing marketing assistance that helps increase that impact.”

“We are proud to provide support to our dedicated tourism industry partners through these marketing grants,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Increasing visitation to these exciting destinations boosts local economies in a variety of ways.”

Applications were reviewed by a committee of Kansas Tourism representatives. Funding through this partnership with Kansas Tourism is intended to increase travel to tourism destination sites while enhancing the state’s image. This grant leverages Kansas Tourism’s resources and extends the marketing reach of local communities.

Funding for Kansas Tourism grants is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF), which is derived from state lottery proceeds.