Kansas Tourism Wins Second National Award for Sunflower Summer Program
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that Kansas Tourism has earned the Gold Award in the State Bridging Communities category for the popular Sunflower Summer program. Announced at the 2025 Educational Seminar for Tourism Organization (ESTO) Conference, ESTO awards recognize state and territory tourism offices for standout initiatives that strengthen communities and inspire travel.
“The Sunflower Summer program has been a shining example of how Kansas is investing in families, education and community connections,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By opening the doors to cultural, history and recreational experiences, we’re not only building memories – we’re strengthening our local economies by driving more visitation to the many unique attractions that Kansas has to offer.”
The Bridging Communities category honors campaigns that foster meaningful connections across diverse populations and regions by bringing bold ideas, data-driven creativity and deep community impact.
The award, presented by the U.S. Travel Association, was announced during the annual ESTO Conference held August 17-19 in Phoenix.
“This award underscores our goal to grow the tourism industry by connecting Kansas families with our state’s cultural and educational treasures found in their own backyard,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Sunflower Summer sparks new journeys, fosters state pride, and fuels the entire tourism economy.”
This recognition builds on previous honors given to the Sunflower Summer program, including Best Local Impact Campaign at the 2025 Etsy Awards, where Kansas Tourism was recognized for its efforts during the eTourism Summit in April.
The 2024 Sunflower Summer program delivered remarkable results, with more than 705,000 Kansas residents visiting the 223 participating attractions.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About Kansas Tourism:
The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education and support.
About ESTO & U.S. Travel Association:
The U.S. Travel Association’s ESTO is the tourism industry’s premiere conference, delivering innovative strategies and trend-driven sessions for destination marketing professionals. The ESTO State Awards, formerly known as the Mercury Awards, celebrates excellence in state-level tourism initiatives.
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