26-05-2025
Why tourism in Topeka is down
TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Topeka Lodging Association is sounding the alarm on tourism in the capital city. They say a big part of that is due to Hotel Topeka and the closure of Heartland Park Racetrack.
Topeka's tourism taxes is $50,000 off track for 2025, 15% less than expected. They say most of the shortfall comes from Hotel Topeka, which the city purchased next to the Stormont Vail Event Center.
'Yes, Hotel Topeka does play into this as it's been difficult to sell for group in particular,' Visit Topeka President Sean Dixon said. 'But we had some severe weather issues that withheld some of the stuff that was on the books already.'
This isn't the first time there's been a downward trend in transient guest tax in Topeka. A good example Dixon gives is COVID – when the city fell $600,000 short in taxes. Although, local economic leaders say not to worry. While tourism points down at the moment, good things are coming to Topeka soon.
'We don't anticipate a significant reduction again for the first quarter of '26. We actually have a lot of great booked business in at that point,' Dixon said.
Visit Topeka says sports, specifically, is going to do great for Topeka. Some of those events will include a major cheer and dance championship, and the Kansas Kids Wrestling Tournament, which brings thousands of people to the Capital City.
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