Kansas Tourism Named Destination of the Year, Earns National Marketing Honors

The North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) has awarded three distinguished honors to Kansas Tourism in their annual awards competition, including the respected Destination of the Year award, underscoring the state’s continued commitment to innovative and effective tourism promotion. Kansas Tourism also was named NATJA’s Destination of the Year in 2023. 

“This national recognition highlights the strength of Kansas Tourism’s marketing efforts and the real economic impact tourism has on our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Strategic tourism promotion attracts new visitors, generates revenue for local businesses, supports jobs and drives economic growth in communities across Kansas. When we successfully tell the Kansas story, we are not just promoting a destination – we are strengthening our state’s economy.”

The awards presented to Kansas Tourism include:

• Destination of the Year Award: This special honor recognizes Kansas Tourism’s overall excellence in destination marketing and its strategic efforts to inspire travel to and throughout the state. The award highlights Kansas Tourism’s comprehensive approach to storytelling and brand development through the collective impact of its marketing initiatives throughout the year.   
• Creative Marketing Campaign, Gold Award – Kansas To The Stars Constellations Campaign: This gold-winning visitor campaign invited travelers to see Kansas in a new light, connecting the state’s wide-open skies with vibrant communities and unforgettable experiences. Through compelling visuals and coordinated messaging, the campaign reinforced Kansas’ To The Stars brand while encouraging exploration across all regions of the state.
• Visitor’s Guide, Silver Award – 2025 Kansas Official Travel Guide: The annual guide serves as a comprehensive resource for travelers seeking inspiration and trip-planning tools. Featuring dynamic photography, curated itineraries and in-depth highlights of attractions, dining, lodging and outdoor adventure, the 2025 edition continues to position Kansas as a destination filled with authentic and unexpected experiences.

“Our marketing is rooted in who we are as Kansans,” Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “We are proud to showcase the natural beauty of our landscapes alongside the vibrant communities, world-class attractions, and small businesses that make Kansas special. Every campaign we create is grounded in authenticity. We are telling real stories about real places, and that honesty resonates with travelers seeking meaningful experiences.”

According to NATJA, this year’s competition featured entries from travel journalists, publications and destination marketing organizations across North America. An independent panel of judges – including award-winning editors, photographers, and media professionals – selected winners based on creativity, quality and impact.

For more information about Kansas Tourism, visit their website here. To get your free 2026 Kansas Travel Guide, click here