It took Assistant Secretary Linda Craghead 10 years to “get it,” but now she believes the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism department has the potential to show off what the state has to offer. cutline:
In a presentation Thursday, Craghead spoke to members of Southeast Kansas Tourism about the status of the department, and the close relationship between tourism, parks and wildlife.
“We have nothing to hang our heads about in Kansas,” Craghead said. “I can’t wait to tell people about it.”
She said the tourism board and the parks department have not communicated well in the past, and it is more evident than ever that they are dependent on each other. After the departments merged in 2011 under Governor Sam Brownback’s bill, she said the departments have had the opportunity to examine the connections.
“It’s not just about heads and beds,” Craghead said.
She said the 25 state parks in Kansas impact the success of tourism. Convenience stores, for example, are more successful when near state parks.
Changes in culture have affected tourism, Craghead said. According to her statistics, children spend on-average 45 hours per week involved with technology and only an average of 30 minutes per week playing outside.
In 2011, 6.8 million people visited state parks, and she believes that number can improve.
“We need to change Kansans’ perception of Kansas,” Craghead said. “People are not aware of what’s happening in the tourism office.”
She said she expects to see an increase in advertising for tourism and parks in the state, and the goal is to increase awareness for people inside and outside state lines.
She said her department has also followed steps to help increase communication. With the purchase of a new vehicle tag, Kansas residents will have a 25 percent off offer on season passes to state parks. She said they have launched a new mobile app for smartphones as well. The app will have basic information on state parks, as well as more specific information such as fishing limits.
One point remained constant throughout Craghead’s presentation — Kansas is beautiful and interesting in its own way. She said she is amazed to see what people can learn by coming to the Sunflower State.
She urged the audience to be willing to adapt and change with current times, which she said was the only way to truly be successful.
“You have to be able to step out a little bit,” Craghead said. “The department needs to change it up some.”
Linda Craghead, assistant secretary of Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, speaks to members of Southeast Kansas Tourism Thursday afternoon at the Allen County Country Club.
Craghead urges change in tourism
