There is a special irony in unveiling a new state tourism tagline amidst a global pandemic that’s grounded flights, canceled trips, and shuttered travelers in their homes.
But in a providential twist, the new tagline happens to be exactly what we need--a celebration of perseverance in the face of adversity.
I’m pleased to share the new tourism marketing tagline for Kansas is “To The Stars.” This tagline honors and builds upon the state’s motto, Ad Astra Per Aspera, translated “to the stars through difficulty.”
To The Stars reminds us who we are and shows us where to go. It is a salute to the free-spirited. To the rowdy. To the wide-eyed wanderers. To the dreamers. To the stars.
In the upcoming year, we plan to continue the To The Stars campaign with stories and features that capture imaginations and inspire travel. For Kansans and travelers eager to show their state pride in a new way, there is stylish new gear emblazoned with To The Stars designs available now at TravelKS.com.
A lot of us are not going far these days, but we still have the chance to embrace the horizon-expanding benefits of travel by exploring fantastic experiences just down the road.
Kansas is home to many revered destinations such as the Brown v Board of Education Historic Site in Topeka, and the newly renovated Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum in Abilene. We can put those spots on our bucket list as they slowly phase in reopening protocols, as well as finding other ways to explore the To The Stars ideal while maintaining physical distancing.
Take a hike in the Flint Hills and experience the untouched landscape the same way early settlers did. Travel the Santa Fe Trail and imagine coming through in a wagon in search of a better life. Visit Little Jerusalem, the newest jewel in the Kansas state park system, and learn about the dedicated efforts to make it a public land accessible to all.
These are just a sampling of what Kansas has to offer travelers searching for new inspiration and fortitude. Kansas history is rich with people who stopped at nothing to chase their dreams and stake out freedom for themselves and others. There’s plenty of room to roam under the stars and learn how historical figures lived out our state motto. Just be sure to practice safe travels, bring a mask, and check in advance for the most up to date operating information from each stop on your bucket list.
Even though we’re experiencing unprecedented challenges, the answer has been inscribed on the heart of Kansas all along. We will make it through by not giving up. We will keep our eyes toward the sky even when trouble surrounds us. We will push forward To The Stars.
Bridgette Jobe is Director of Tourism with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism. Discover more at TravelKS.com. Connect with Travel Kansas at facebook.com/TravelKS or on Instagram @kansastourism.
