Lenexa CVB reports steady hotel demand, tourism growth in mid‑year update

Julie Steiner, director of the Lenexa Convention & Visitors Bureau, presented the CVB's semiannual report, highlighting tourism's economic role, year‑to‑date hotel metrics and preparations for KC 2026 World Cup activity.

Steiner reviewed statewide 2024 tourism impacts cited in state reports, saying tourism brought in about $13.4 billion to Kansas when accounting for direct spending and ripple effects, supported more than 91,000 jobs and generated roughly $843 million in state and local tax revenue. For the Kansas City metro area she reported year‑to‑date occupancy of about 62.7% and an average daily room rate near $125.52. Metro hotels have seen nearly 4.8 million rooms booked year‑to‑date, a roughly 2% increase over last year, and revenue year‑to‑date of approximately $6.066 billion, a 1.4% increase from 2024.

Locally, Steiner noted continued hotel development: 11 properties under construction totaling about 1,050 rooms and another 13 properties in final planning representing about 1,438 rooms; she also referenced the dual‑property Midas development with an estimated completion in mid‑2026. She reported community events such as the Spinach Festival (netting about $4,600 in tent sales and donations) and increased sports tournament participation linked to city‑funded turf projects.

Steiner said the CVB is coordinating with the chamber and city staff on World Cup volunteer outreach and an online visitor information page. When council members asked about publishing the CVB's materials online, Steiner said some numbers from state reports were not yet finalized and that city IT or mapping staff may assist with web distribution.

The presentation is in the meeting packet; council members thanked Steiner for the update and for the CVB's work supporting local tourism and events.