You don’t need a reason to visit — but we’ve got plenty

Newton is a city in and the county seat of Harvey County, Kansas, United States.[As of the 2010 census, the city population was 19,132 Newton is located 25 mi (40 km) north of Wichita and is included in the Wichita metropolitan statistical area (MSA). The city of North Newton is located immediately north of the city, existing as a separate political entity.

This city on I-80 in the heart of the United States wants to become the new center of a travel and tourism destination and is looking to host meetings and conventions.

About a year ago, the convention and visitors bureau was shifted from the Chamber to a department of the city, and was renamed “To Newton.” The new logo features a suitcase and a circular arrow, promoting the idea of traveling to Newton.

Since then, To Newton has been building partnerships with other organizations and reaching out to new demographics. Promotional events this year included the Kansas Sampler Festival, the Kansas State Fair, and a partnership with a local TV station to create commercials inviting consumers to shop in Newton during the holidays.

Other accomplishments included welcoming the French National Aerobatic Team to the local airport, and a local restaurant, The Breadbasket, being named to Kansas! magazine’s list of the top 20 restaurants in Kansas.
Susie Santo, president of the Go Wichita convention and visitors bureau, was the keynote speaker at To Newton’s annual meeting, and she praised the organization for its progress during the past year.

Organizations like To Newton do face challenges — Kansas ranks 44th out of 50 states in terms of tourism spending, and local convention and visitors bureaus may have to work with limited staff in addition to limited funding.

It is important not to underestimate the impact of tourism on the region. She reported in 2011, domestic travelers spent $712 million in the Wichita metro area. About $18 million was spent in Harvey County.

Santo said if different tourism organizations cooperate to promote the region as a whole, everyone will benefit in the end.