To the editor:

From “Kansas — Land of Ahs” to “Kansas — Simply Wonderful” to “Kansas — As big as you think” the problem we’ve faced when marketing the Sunflower State as a travel destination has not been the product and services that we provide or the cute advertising slogans we’ve come up with. The problem has always been the low level of commitment that our leaders have shown toward the tourism industry.

For too long, our legislators have struggled to support an industry that is not able to measure its production by the bushel or metric ton. Instead of focusing on the economic impact of tourism in Kansas — which according to the Travel Industry Association of America is almost $4 billion in annual revenues and roughly 60,000 jobs — our legislators have often ignored the true economic potential of this thriving industry.

Kansas has a rich history and heritage, wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities, a thriving arts community, and natural beauty that most people are amazed to discover still exists. Let’s hope that the new campaign is more than a catchy slogan. Let’s hope that our leaders show an appreciation for tourism efforts in Kansas by properly funding an advertising campaign that will effectively tell the Kansas story.

Kansas tourism will be as strong as our commitment to support it.

Jeff Mercer,

Lawrence