Arkansas Tourism Week Begins Saturday

Arkansas Tourism Week kicks off tomorrow in conjunction with the 29th annual observance of National Tourism Week, May 5-13.

Designated by the U.S. Travel Association, Arkansas Tourism Week will serve as an opportunity to emphasize the economic impact of travel and tourism, as well as to show appreciation to travelers who make it happen.

With tourism providing almost 60,000 jobs in Arkansas and state travelers spending almost $5.7 billion in 2011, tourism is ranked as the #2 economic industry in the state.

In celebration of travel and tourism, The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism will host a Travel Rally on the front steps of the State Capitol Tuesday at 11 a.m. Remarks will be made by Arkansas Tourism Director Joe David Rice, Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) CEO, Gretchen Hall and Miss Arkansas 2011 Kristen Glover.

Also throughout the week, the LRCVB will host a variety of hospitality and destination training sessions for many of the frontline faces of tourism. Taxi Training sessions will be held Tuesday and Wednesday for local taxi drivers at the Statehouse Convention Center. Compliments of the LRCVB, taxi drivers who attend the Hospitality Training Sessions will receive a FREE car wash for their taxi under the River Market Pavilions Wednesday. Local hospitality leaders will be washing cars as a way to thank drivers for their participation in the training sessions and their contribution to the tourism industry.

On Friday, May 11 and Monday, May 14, the LRCVB will host Hospitality Training sessions at Statehouse Convention Center for all frontline Little Rock hospitality personnel. Sessions will include two-hour training and a two-hour guided tour of Little Rock. In appreciation, those who attend will receive free admission for themselves and a guest to enjoy extended hours at the Museum of Discovery or the Little Rock Zoo from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.


Tuesday, May 8:
11 AM - Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Travel Rally at State Capitol
9 AM - 11:30 AM (Taxi Training Morning Session) Statehouse - Caraway Room
1 PM - 3:30 PM (Taxi Training Afternoon Session) Statehouse - Caraway Room

Wednesday, May 9:
9 AM - 11:30 AM (Taxi Training Morning Session) Statehouse - Caraway Room
1 PM - 3:30 PM (Taxi Training Afternoon Session) Statehouse - Caraway Room
3 PM - 6 PM Complimentary Taxi Car Wash - River Market Pavilions

Friday, May 11:
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Hospitality Training Morning Session) Statehouse - Caraway Room
1 PM - 5 PM (Hospitality Training Afternoon Session) Statehouse - Caraway Room

Monday, May 14:
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Hospitality Training Morning Session) Statehouse - Caraway Room
1 PM - 5 PM (Hospitality Training Afternoon Session) Statehouse - Caraway Room

• Travel ranked as #6 employer in the US (14 million jobs supported)
• $758.7 Billion in direct spending in the US in 2010 (leisure travel=$526 billion & business travel=$233 billion)
• 1 out of 9 US jobs depend on travel and tourism
• Travel is among the top 10 industries in 48 states in terms of employment
• Each household would pay $1000 more in taxes without the tax revenue generated by travel and tourism

• Tourism is the #2 economic industry in Arkansas
• Travelers spent almost $5.7 billion in Arkansas in 2011
• Direct tax receipts: over $400 million
• Tourism provides almost 60,000 jobs in Arkansas Pulaski County (information provided by Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism)
• Total travel expenditures in 2011 = $1,560,647,602 ($1.5 billion)
• Travel generated tax receipts a little over $96 million (state + local). Travel generated local tax = $26,776,328 (almost $27 million). Travel generated state tax = $60,946,680 ($60 million)
• Total Tax Receipts/Pulaski County Population = $251 per person (total local citizens save due to tourism)
• Visitor trips in 2011 = 5,582,627 (over 5.5 million)
• Tourism jobs = 12,890

Across the state, communities are planning to salute Tourism Week in a variety of ways. Following is a list of places and activities planned:

• Bentonville: The Arkansas Welcome Center, located on US Highway 71 in Bella Vista, will celebrate on Friday, May 11. Free drinks and snacks will be available thanks to area Convention & Visitors Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce. Gift certificates and coupons good at area attractions will be given away throughout the day.
• Blytheville: The Arkansas Welcome Center in Blytheville will celebrate throughout the week featuring displays from local quilter Maxine Evans, the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum, and Delta Economic Development. The Welcome Center is conducting an "Art in Arkansas" art contest for local artists, with a reception featuring Blytheville Mayor James Sanders held on Friday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m. to honor the winners. On Monday, May 7, the Center will celebrate Arkansas Tourist Appreciation Day by serving visitors with cookies and lemonade.
• Corning: The Corning Welcome Center will observe tourism week on several days, beginning Monday, May 7, when a randomly selected tourist will be given a tote bag of goodies. On Tuesday, May 8, Kim Williams, travel writer for the Arkansas Delta, will be onsite visiting with tourists from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Adam Long, Director of the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum & Educational Center of Piggott will also be on hand. Refreshments will be served from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Wednesday, May 9, Nancy Kemp, Co-Publisher of Delta CrossRoads magazine will visit from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. handing out copies of the magazine to tourists. Area antique shops, fast food restaurants, and small business owners have been invited to "Plug My Business" in an effort to entice tourists to stop and shop. Friday, May 11 will wrap up the week will Charles Snapp, Tourism Director of Lawrence County sharing his story of the 1964 visit by The Beatles from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A documentary and 2' x 5' replica of Walnut Ridge's "Abby Road" wall will be on display, and a one-man live band will provide entertainment with music of The Beatles.
• El Dorado: On May 8 at the Arkansas Welcome Center, Mayor Frank Hash will proclaim May 7 - 11 "Tourism Week" in El Dorado. State Representative Matthew Shepherd will emcee the event. State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commissioner Cindy Smith and John Ralston, Director of Arkansas' South Tourism Association will also participate. A representative from AT&T will present South Arkansas Community College a ceremonial copy of the 2012 AT&T phone directory that features the El Dorado Conference Center on the cover. The El Dorado Conference Center is celebrating its first year and has become one of south Arkansas's newest tourism attractions. AT&T will also promote recycling in The Natural State. The event will begin at 11:00 am with lunch served at noon. The El Dorado Welcome Center will celebrate throughout National Tourism Week by serving coffee and cookies daily throughout the week. Each day will feature a Riceland Foods display. On Monday, May 7, Sara Jonesof White Oak/Poison Springs Park will share a presentation. On Tuesday, May 8, guest presenter will be Jim Gann of Logoly State Park. May 8-9 will feature the South Arkansas Historical Society. A guest speaker Historic Washington State Park will join us May 9. On May 11 Keith Covington from Moro Bay State Park will be the featured presenter.
• Fayetteville: The Fayetteville Convention and Visitors Bureau is celebrating National Tourism Week with a "Pin It to Win It - Experience Fayetteville Contest" beginning May 5 and running through May 13. To participate, contestants will create a Pinterest board named "Experience Fayetteville Pin It to Win It" and pin at least five Fayetteville pins that represent their Fayetteville experience. Examples include favorite shops, restaurants, attractions, or events. The winner will be announced on May 16 via press release and social media, and will receive a Fayetteville-themed gift basket worth over $200.
• Harrison: The Harrison Welcome Center will celebrate on Wednesday, May 9 with popcorn, peanuts, and hot dogs available during the day as well as local foods from area restaurants. Local attractions will have representatives at the Center to pass out information on their attractions. Visitors will receive giveaways all day. The Harrison Mayor has been invited to present a local proclamation for National Tourism Week.
• Helena-West Helena: The staff of the Arkansas Welcome Center located on the Highway 49 bypass at Helena-West Helena will host a celebration on Thursday, May 10, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A light lunch will be provided, and local DJ Bennie Fonzie will provide music representing Helena's music festivals. Displays and exhibits will feature art, photos, and Civil War artifacts. Samples of handmade items available for purchase downtown will be on display as well. Mississippi River State Park will showcase animal furs and skulls. Delta Heritage Trail State Park will have staff on hand to answer questions about the new construction along the trail. An Area Health Education Centers representative will be at the Center to take blood pressure readings and give out information.
• Lake Village: The Lake Village Welcome Center will celebrate throughout the week giving tourists free Riceland Foods rice packages, rice recipes and Pepsi. On Tuesday, May 8, Lakeport Plantation staff will make a presentation. On Wednesday, May 9, Cane Creek State Park will be on hand to tell tourists about the park. A local music group will perform folk music. On Thursday, May 10, Lake Village Chamber of Commerce staff will greet tourists and share information about the community.
• Little Rock: The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism will host a Travel Rally at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, May 8, on the front steps of the Arkansas State Capitol. Tourism Director Joe David Rice will welcome those in attendance, followed by presentations from Little Rock CVB Director Gretchen Hall and Miss Arkansas 2011 Kristen Glover. Governor Mike Beebe has been invited to read an official proclamation declaring May 5-13 as Tourism Week in Arkansas, recognizing the importance of the travel and tourism industry to the state. For more information on the Travel Rally, contact Donna Perrin, Tourism Development manager, at 501-682-5240. The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau will offer hospitality training sessions for Central Arkansas cab drivers, hotel frontline staff, visitor information representatives, attraction volunteers, airport volunteers, and CVB staff. Hospitality frontline appreciation events will be held at the Museum of Discovery and the Little Rock Zoo, and a complimentary Taxi Wash is being hosted by the LRCVB.
• Mammoth Spring: The Mammoth Spring Welcome Center will celebrate Tourism Week on Saturday, May 19, with free helium balloons, live bluegrass music, free cake and drinks, and free Museum Tours at the 1886 Frisco Depot Museum. There will also be a homemade ice cream vendor on site. Door prizes will be given out. A grand prize will also be awarded.
• Newton County: The Newton County Chamber of Commerce is having proclamations signed by both the Newton County Judge and the Mayor of Jasper proclaiming Tourism Week in the county and city. The signing will be photographed by the local and county newspapers and will be included in upcoming editions of the publications. Donnie Crain, Tourism Director for the Chamber will write an Op Ed touting the importance of tourism to the local economy. During National Tourism Week, randomly selected tourist visiting the Chamber Shop and Visitor Information Center will be given gift certificates to use toward the purchase of items at the shop.
• North Little Rock: On Tuesday, May 8, North Little Rock Visitors Bureau will hand out water, fans, magnets, and watches to the first 100 people visiting the Old Mill from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On Wednesday, May 9, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame will give away golf tees, watches, and magnets. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Visitor Center in Burns Park on May 10, where Mayor Patrick Hays will read a proclamation declaring the day as North Little Rock Tourism Day. The Mayor will welcome tourists to the Visitor Center. On Friday, May 11, staff will be on hand at the Arkansas Queen and Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum giving out watches, fans, magnets, and stadium cups. Two tickets for a cruise on the Arkansas Queen will be awarded to one lucky visitor. 
• Pocahontas: The Mayor of Pocahontas will proclaim Monday, May 7 as Tourist Appreciation Day. Throughout the day, the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce will serve refreshments to tourists. The staff will be available to provide information about the area.
• Siloam Springs: The Siloam Springs Welcome Center will be celebrating Tourism Week all week giving out Little Debbie snacks, Cavender's Seasoning, Riceland Rice, and Day Spring monthly planners. On Friday, they will serve donuts and coffee for the early travelers and hot dogs, potato salad, and baked beans for lunch.
• Texarkana: The Texarkana Welcome Center, located on Interstate 30 East, will celebrate National Tourism Week on Friday, May 11 from 10:00 a.m. until noon. A local dulcimer group will entertain visitors, and exhibits from State Parks and local tourist attractions will be displayed. For more information, contact Paula Warren, Texarkana Welcome Center manager at 870-772-4301. The Red River Welcome Center, located in Texarkana on US Highway 71 North, will serve chilled bottled water, soft drinks, and cookies provided by Brookshire's of Ashdown on Tuesday May 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Millwood State Park staff will be on hand to visit with tourists. Nikki Cherry, Nashville City Park Director and "Trax" the dinosaur will be promoting the upcoming Nashville Dinosaur Festival. Door prizes will be given away, including two free admissions to the Crater of Diamonds State Park, two free surrey rides at Historic Washington State Park, and Dinosaur Festival T-shirts.
• Van Buren & Fort Smith: The Arkansas Welcome Center at Van Buren/Fort Smith will be celebrating throughout Tourism Week by treating tourists with Arkansas-made products. They will have samples of Yarnell's Ice Cream, Riceland Rice, Shoestring Potatoes from Allen Canning, Little Debbie's snacks from McKee Baking, Planters Peanuts, Kopper Kettle Candies, Petit Jean Hot Dogs, Pickled Vegetables from Old South, and Day Planners from Dayspring. On Wednesday, May 9, the mayors of Van Buren and Fort Smith will read an official proclamation announcing the week as Tourism Week. The Fort Smith and Van Buren Advertising & Promotion Commissions will capture a lucky tourist and make them an honorary Deputy Marshal. They will also be presented with a special gift.
• West Memphis: The Arkansas Welcome Center located on Interstate 40 in West Memphis will celebrate on Wednesday, May 9, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Hot dogs, chips, cookies, soda, and water will be served to tourists. There will also be door prizes given away, and as a special treat, there will be a karaoke machine available to help tourists unwind and relax. The West Memphis mayor has been invited to issue a proclamation and elected officials have been invited to come out to meet and greet tourists as they stop at the Center.