Tour die-Kapellen of Hays receives state grant

Members of the Tour die-Kapellen met with representatives of the Kansas Department of Tourism on Monday at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen to receive a state grant. Pictured (not in order) are Tour die-Kapellen committee members Kay Werth, Helen Hands, Ron Leiker, Tom Dinges, John Braun, Dick Werth and Vicky Sauer; and Jolene Zimmerman of St. Anthony's Church; Melissa Dixon, director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Bridgette Jobe, director of the Kansas Department of Tourism. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post — Members of the Tour die-Kapellen met with representatives of the Kansas Department of Tourism on Monday at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen to receive a state grant. Pictured (not in order) are Tour die-Kapellen committee members Kay Werth, Helen Hands, Ron Leiker, Tom Dinges, John Braun, Dick Werth and Vicky Sauer; and Jolene Zimmerman of St. Anthony's Church; Melissa Dixon, director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Bridgette Jobe, director of the Kansas Department of Tourism. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post

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Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $100,000 has been awarded to support 20 new tourism marketing projects across Kansas, including the Tour die-Kapellen of Hays.

These projects will help communities elevate their advertising efforts and inspire new visitors to explore the Sunflower State.

“Tourism is a powerful driver of economic growth — and these grants help communities market attractions that tell unique stories in ways that bring more visitors and create new opportunities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Last year, tourism contributed $8.2 billion in visitor spending to the state’s economy — and we’re committed to supporting our local partners who are working to strengthen communities by expanding Kansas’ visibility.”

In total, the 20 grant recipients will invest more than $177,000 in matching funds towards approved marketing projects.

Several standout initiatives from this year’s awardees showcase the creativity and collaboration happening across Kansas:

Digital Passport Program: Kansas I-70 Association is developing an interactive digital passport program tied to both World Cup travel and the America 250 celebration, giving visitors new ways to experience attractions along the corridor.
FIFA World Cup Campaign: Wabaunsee County Economic Development is launching a targeted marketing campaign aimed at FIFA World Cup travelers, highlighting the Flint Hills and nearby attractions to an international audience.
Tour die-Kapellen: Hays Area Bicyclists Inc. is preparing a campaign to boost out-of-state participation in the annual Tour die-Kapellen bike and bus tour, spotlighting the region’s striking limestone churches. The event received a $6,670 grant.
Trek Passport App: Nemaha, Jackson, Doniphan and Brown are partnering to create a new Trek Northeast Kansaspassport app, offering themed tours that encourage deeper regional exploration.

These projects – along with many others – demonstrate the innovative approaches communities are taking to inspire travel and elevate tourism in Kansas. To view the full list of Tourism Marketing Grant awardees, visit here.

“Through these grants, we’re able to help communities bring fresh ideas forward and shine a spotlight on what makes them unique,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Each project individually reflects the dedication of our partners, and together we’re inviting new audiences to discover the remarkable experiences found across the state.”

For more information about Kansas Tourism grants, visit here or contact Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Babette Dixon at [email protected].

See a story from the 2025 Tour die-Kapellen.

Learn more about the event on its website.