Celebrating a Remarkable 2023 in Abilene, Kansas!
As we bid farewell to an extraordinary year, the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau is thrilled to reflect on the incredible milestones and successes that made 2023 a truly remarkable year for our beloved city!
While not exhaustive, here are the top 15 achievements that we're bursting with pride to share:
1. Top 10 True Western Town of the Year & Best Promotion of a Historic Place
Abilene continues to shine as a beacon of Western heritage. Abilene secured prestigious accolades from True West Magazine for the second year in a row.
2. USA TODAY's Best Historic Small Town
For the third consecutive year, Abilene proudly claims a spot among the top Best Historic Small Towns, a testament to our enduring charm and rich history.
3. Travel Awaits' Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S.
The accolades keep rolling in as Abilene secures the crown for the best small town, reaffirming our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.
4. Travel Awaits' Best Roadside Attraction
Abilene's new World's Largest Belt Buckle secured its first award as the top roadside attraction in the U.S.
5. Gunsmoke Trail Launch
In collaboration with Dodge City, Hays, and Wichita, Abilene proudly introduces the Gunsmoke Trail, inviting travelers to explore the heart of the Old West.
6. Flags Flying High
Demonstrating our patriotic spirit, we replaced 200 American flags along Buckeye Ave and NW 3rd Streets, creating a picturesque and welcoming atmosphere.
7. New Marketing Pieces
Facilitating unforgettable journeys, we launched a complimentary Destination Guide, created the award-winning Cowboy Art Trail brochure, shared stylish World's Largest Belt Buckle swag, and played a vital role in branding the new "Petals at their Peak" event at Eisenhower Park Rose Garden.
8. Taking Abilene Nationwide
From key conferences to booths at prominent events, we shared the wonders of Abilene, making our mark at the Missouri Main Street Conference, Iowa State Tourism Conference, Kansas FFA State Convention, Leadership Marshall County, Midwest Travel Network Conference, Destination Statehouse, Kansas Media Event, and the Belle Plain Travel Information Center.
9. Picture-Perfect Abilene
Our enhanced photo library showcases Abilene's Cowboy Art Trail, Oktoberfest, and historic homes, capturing the picturesque charm that defines our city.
10. Little Town of Mansions Website Launch
Collaborating with the Heritage Homes Association, we proudly launched the new Little Town of Mansions website, inviting the world to explore the architectural gems of Abilene.
11. Midwest Travel Network's Best Social Media Campaign
Our social media presence garnered recognition, reflecting our commitment to connecting with our community and beyond.
World's Largest Belt Buckle Promotion
12. Gravel Kansas Bike Routes
Pedal through the beauty of Abilene with newly established bike routes on the Gravel Kansas website, showcasing scenic landscapes and inviting trails.
13. Hosted Travel Writers
Welcoming seven travel writers, influencers and partners, we shared the magic of Abilene, creating lasting memories and inspiring future visitors. Check out some of our favorites!
- Moyer Memoirs - Empty-Nest Travel Adventures
- Roadrunner Journeys
- Postcard Jar
- Texas Travel Talk
- Steven Kimmi / Midwest Explorer
14. Celebrating Others
We love to celebrate our tourism partners' success!
Terry Tietjens Celebration: Recognizing Terry Tietjens with a Kansas Sampler Foundation WeKAN! Award, honoring outstanding contributions to our community.
Eisenhower Foundation Nomination: Nominating the Eisenhower Foundation for a Kansas Department of Commerce To the Stars Business Award, celebrating our shared commitment to excellence.
15. CVB Director in the Spotlight
Our CVB Director earned well-deserved recognition as one of the "50 Kansans You Should Know" by Ingrams Magazine, showcasing our leadership's dedication to promoting Abilene far and wide.
The Travel Industry Association of Kansas also recognized our achievements at the Kansas Tourism Conference and Awards Banquet. In the medium-sized community marketing budget category ($20,000 - $100,000), Abilene secured three top awards:
- Online Marketing Award Winner: "Little Town of Mansions" website.
- Destination (Community) Awareness Award Winner: “World’s Largest Belt Buckle” asset development and marketing project.
- Print Marketing Award Winner: Cowboy Art Trail brochure.
Moreover, Abilene was honored with the prestigious People's Choice Award, the association's top accolade, recognizing our exceptional work on the "World’s Largest Belt Buckle Project."
Looking Ahead
As we eagerly embrace the possibilities of the coming year, the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau extends heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Join us in crafting an abundance of extraordinary memories and adventures in 2024, right here in the Heart of America and our cherished title as the Best Small Town—Abilene, Kansas!
About Us
The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Abilene Kansas) is a department of the City of Abilene. In addition to managing the state-designated Travel Information Center, it serves as the official marketing arm of the City of Abilene and provides services to tourists and groups convening in Abilene. The goal of the Abilene CVB is to generate economic growth in Abilene, Kansas, through tourism.
The Abilene CVB is funded primarily through an 8% Transient Guest Tax paid by travelers when staying in one of Abilene's hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts or online marketplace facilitator properties (Airbnb or Vrbo) with two or more rooms. In 2023, TGT collections totaled $165,828.53 from $2,072,856.63 in actual property sales.
The CVB has one full-time director and one part-time tourism assistant.