Governor Laura Kelly Relocates Tourism to the Kansas Department of Commerce to Spur Economic Growth
March 29, 2021
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced the Kansas Tourism Division will officially be part of the Kansas Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Executive Reorganization Order (ERO) Governor Kelly submitted to the Kansas Legislature on Jan. 25 of this year. The 60 calendar day period has expired without action by either the Kansas House or Kansas Senate chamber, therefore the reorganization will occur starting July 1, 2021.
“Moving the Tourism division into the Department of Commerce sends a clear message to our industry partners and prospective companies that my administration will use every tool at our disposal to spur new economic growth,” Governor Kelly said. “This realignment will support our businesses, our tourism industry, and will play a significant role in our COVID-19 recovery efforts.”
The Department of Commerce features several tools designed to increase tourism into the state, including the Kansas Athletic Commission and the STAR Bonds program. Through this reorganization, Kansas Tourism will be its own independent division within Commerce, with the Director reporting to Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland.
