Top 7 Positive Stories in 2020
Like communities across the globe, Abilene's tourism industry faced unprecedented challenges in 2020, but that does not mean good things did not also still happen. Check out our list of the top 7 positive stories in 2020.
1. Best Historic Small Town Runner-up
In July, USA Today Readers named Abilene the runner-up in its nationwide Best Historic Small Town Contest.
2. Abilene Strong Campaign Wins Award
During the (virtual) Kansas Tourism Conference, the Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) named the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau's Abilene Strong campaign the best Community Awareness Campaign - medium budget category.
3. City of Abilene Awards Grants to Businesses
In August, the City of Abilene awarded its $132,000 Community Development Block Grant - CV to twenty-eight Abilene businesses affected by COVID-19.
4. Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau Receives Grants
With transient guest tax collections down, the Abilene CVB looked for new opportunities to fund projects. The Abilene CVB was the recipient of an $8,489 Tourism Marketing Grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Dickinson County to complete a new 2021 visitors guide.
In addition, the CVB received a $35,800 SPARKS grant to assist with the design and purchase of a new, interactive digital tourist information kiosk.
5. Shop Small - All Season Long
In true 2020 fashion, the Abilene CVB pivoted during the holiday season to spearhead a shop local campaign.
“While holiday activities may look different this year, the CVB is encouraging everyone to support Abilene businesses this season,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene CVB director. "With travel to Abilene limited, the CVB is redirecting its marketing efforts to encourage keeping dollars local. The CVB's Shop Small - All Season Long campaign celebrates Abilene's small businesses."
This pandemic survival story brought to you by telegenic siblings and their mom in Abilene
#6: The coolest little town in Kansas
In 2021, the Abilene CVB continued to pitch stories to media outlets throughout the United States. One pitch resulted in MSN.com naming Abilene the "coolest little town in Kansas".
The Coolest Little Town in Every State
#7 Best Social Media Campaign (Destination)
We love celebrating our Midwest Travel Network friends, but in December, our friends celebrated us! The Midwest Travel Network named Visit Abilene Kansas the Best Social Media Campaign (Destination) of the year!
Midwest Travel Network Award Winners
As you can see, despite the challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic, good things continue to happen in Abilene, and we look forward to a new year filled with new opportunities and more success.