DEFINITION & PURPOSE:
Prairie People Tourism
Association (PPTA) is a not-for-profit organization designed to promote the ethnic,
historical and cultural value of its four-county region to area residents and visitors.
The efforts of PPTA compliment the work of local economic development and tourism
organizations as they strive to increase visitor traffic in the area thereby enhancing the
region’s economic vitality.
Now entering its eighth
year since becoming incorporated, PPTA is under the direction of a 14 member Board of
Directors representing the following "Prairie People" communities: Goessel,
Halstead, Hesston, Hillsboro, McPherson, Moundridge, Newton, North Newton, Peabody,
Sedgwick, Marion, and Kechi. PPTA is a grass roots organization which seeks the
financial resources and in-kind services of its board of directors and membership to carry
out its mission.
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Helped bring more than 157
groups and over 4,000 people to the Prairie People region with a conservative estimate of
economic impact of $140,000.
- Formed a FAM Tour
Committee to encourage NTA & Bus Tour Operators to bring tours to the PPTA
communities. Developed a marketing strategy to entice 8 to 10 operators to attend the FAM
tour, including a flyer and gift, post card and then confirmation. The FAM tour was held
in the Spring of 1997 and 1998.
- Publish two editions,
yearly, of the Prairie People Happenings, a calendar of events for the region. Distributed
3,000 to PPTA communities, Travel Information Centers, and information requests. This
publication promotes all 12 communities and is a resource for local newsletters and
calendars.
- Distributed
Explorer’s Guide and Fun Map, a comprehensive guide of attractions, museums, dining,
lodging and camping facilities.
- Updated and reprinted the
Fun Map, sponsored in part by a grant from Wichita Greyhound Charities, Inc.. These were
available in early 1997 and printed in two versions: (1) Placemat with a description of
the attractions featured plus major events, and contact for each community. (2) Lodging
Guide with paid advertising from local motel and bed & breakfasts, including a
description of the attraction featured and contact for each community. 25,000 placemats
were made available to local restaurants during National Tourism Week. 25,000 lodging
guides will be distributed in PPTA communities and at all Kansas Travel Information
Centers.
- Emphasized importance of
tourism through presentations utilizing the PPTA video and printed materials at various
clubs and organizations.
- PPTA was represented at
the 1996-00 Kansas Sport Boat and Travel Show at the Kansas Coliseum and at the 1996-00
Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. PPTA had calendars of events and information available
for visitors to pick up at the South Central Kansas Tourism Region (SCKTR) booth.
PPTA’s membership in SCKTR allows this networking benefit through dues.
- Twelve PPTA communities
were represented in the exhibit area at the 1996-00 Kansas Sampler Festival. In addition
communities had separate booths and/or exhibits on display for this annual special event.
- Maintained current
membership in other tourism associations, TIAK (Tourism Industry Association of Kansas)
and SCKTR (South Central Kansas Tourism Region).
- PPTA helped co-sponsor the
Newton Convention and Tourism Bureau’s trip to the National Tour Association’s
Annual Exchange, gaining national exposure.
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