Kansas program awarded as families make their way to state attractions
TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV) - A statewide program meant to drive children at home on summer break to Kansas attractions has been honored with a national award for its widespread impact.
Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced on Friday, May 23, that Kansas Tourism received a national award to recognize its work on the Sunflower Summer program - named the Best Local Impact Campaign at the 2025 eTSY Awards.
State leaders noted that the award was presented during the eTourism Summit, held in April in Las Vegas.
“The Sunflower Summer program is an investment in our young Kansans, highlighting for them all the great and exciting things to love and experience across our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This program not only encourages exploration; it s Kansas residents vacationing right here at home while showcasing our many quality attractions. We are grateful to be recognized on a national level and are excited to build on last year’s success.”
State officials indicated that the award recognized the outstanding success of the 2024 Sunflower Summer program, which provided families with school-aged children complimentary access to more than 200 attractions across the state.
“The Sunflower Summer program has been extremely successful since its conception. It entices Kansans to travel around the state of Kansas and it promotes venues throughout the state on what Kansas has to offer,” Representative Troy Waymaster said. “This award only intensifies the success of the Sunflower Summer program, and I will always advocate for its continuation and the service it provides for our points of interest and Kansans.”
In 2024, Tourism leaders noted that nearly 500,000 tickets were redeemed - a 55% increase from 2023. Tickets can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at participating attractions.
“This award is a testament to the creativity, dedication and ion of the hardworking team that has brought this program to life for our residents,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Kansas is the only place in the nation with a program like Sunflower Summer, and while we were proud of what we accomplished in the 2024 season; we are looking forward to what the 2025 season will bring for our partner sites across Kansas.”
State leaders indicated that bipartisan from the Kansas Legislature has cemented the program’s return for July 12 through August 3, 2025. For more information, click HERE.
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