Kansas tourism professionals presented several awards in October at the 2016 Kansas Tourism Conference in Olathe. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism handed out the honors.  

Among the recipients were: Sen. Jerry Moran who received the Governor’s Tourism Award; El Dean Holthus, Smith Center, who received the Kansas’ Finest Award; and the Marysville Convention & Tourism Office which earned the People’s Choice. Also recognized were Wichita, Topeka and Emporia.

These awards represented an individual’s commitment to promoting Kansas or an organization’s efforts to promote their community. Worthy recipients all.

But, there was another award, one not given for advocacy or for a specific event. This one was probably the most significant and has the potential for a deeper, broader impact.

The Kansas Tourism Partnership Award went to the 24/7 Travel Stores for requiring that all employees take the “Kansas At Your Service” hospitality training program. The 24/7 Travel Stores front- line staff are typically the first to greet travelers crossing our state and are an important piece to the tourism industry by offering the best service possible. The award recognizes the importance of collaboration in the successful development of tourism in Kansas. 

What a great idea and it only stands to reason. The idea that clerks, receptionists and other employees should be informed and able to offer guidance to customers is a good one.

Sure, these convenience stores dot some of the busiest highways in Kansas, but the same concept hold true right here in the Golden Belt. Often, employees are the first folks to see travelers and they should be able to offer suggestions and advice.

“The travel industry is a vibrant part of the Kansas economy and I am very pleased that we were able to honor the creativity of tourism professionals from Goodland to Kansas City, Wichita to Marysville. These individuals work hard every day to promote our state as a destination for visitors and their marketing expertise received some well-deserved recognition through these awards,” said Travel Industry Association of Kansas president Suzan Barnes.

There are professionals here in Great Bend who work just as hard. But, they can’t do it all and that is where it becomes vital for all of us to be knowledgeable and passionate about where we live.

We are all ambassadors.

Dale Hogg