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Kansas Destination Specialist
Kansas Tourism Friend:
The Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) offers the KANSAS DESTINATION SPECIALIST (KDS) certification program designed to familiarize and further one’s knowledge of the State of Kansas, tourism marketing and leadership.
First-time Certification
To earn the KDS certification, candidates must accumulate 25 education points and complete three book reports. The 2010 point cut-off for KDS certification is Friday, September 17, 2010.
Workshops, seminars and other educational events related to tourism are conducted periodically throughout the year. Points are awarded based on the length of the presentation: half day = 1 point; full day = 2 points; two or more days = 3 points. All TIAK and Kansas Department of Tourism (KST&T) sanctioned events are automatically designated for points and all attendees will receive credit if they are on the enrollment list. The Kansas Tourism Conference is worth three points annually. Additional pre-approved educational opportunities have been established to help candidates easily identify possible events to attend for education credit. An educational opportunity attendance form must be completed after attending any event that you are seeking credit from attending (including those on the pre-approved list, except TIAK and KST&T events). If you are attending a seminar not pre-approved or hosted by TIAK or KST&T, you must submit an education event approval request form at least two-weeks prior to the event and complete the attendance form upon return from the event (please bring the form to the conference for verification of attendance). Educational events do not have to be held in Kansas.
Three book report forms, one for each assigned reading category on the approved reading list, must also be submitted and approved by the KDS Committee for final designation. Members are encouraged to suggest additional books and/or materials to be added to the approved reading list; however, book reports may not be written for books not yet approved by the KDS Committee and the TIAK Board.
Renewing Certification
After receiving the KDS certification, renewal is required on a bi-annual basis. To renew, two of the tourism related activities listed below must be completed in the appropriate time frame.
1. Attend the annual tourism conference or another tourism-related educational event (pre-approved by KDS Committee).
2. Read a book on the approved reading list and submit a book report form.
3. Visit a Kansas attraction located at least 50 miles from home and submit the attraction written narrative form.
Important Documents/Forms
To submit reports via email at agarton@visitoverlandpark.com or mail to:
Amy Garton, Overland Park CVB
9001 W. 110th Street, Suite 100
Overland Park, KS 66210
For more information, please contact Amy Garton at 913-491-0123 or Karen Crane at 913-403-8999.
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