CHICAGO — The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism showcased its latest outdoor recreation initiatives to international tour operators and media during the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2025 trade show, held June 14–18 at McCormick Place.
IPW is the leading international inbound travel marketplace in the United States, where U.S. destinations and travel businesses hold business appointments with buyers and media from around the world. The annual event is designed to drive future international visitation, with billions in travel spending projected from connections made during the event.
Projects highlighted
Arkansas’ delegation promoted the state’s new five-year outdoor recreation strategy, known as the 2025–2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The plan was developed through public input and outlines Arkansas’s priorities in expanding access to outdoor spaces, improving infrastructure, and preserving natural resources.
“In these modern times we live in, the outdoors brings more importance than ever … to welcome all into the Natural State and create a lasting impact for future generations,” said Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis in the plan’s introduction.
Among the key initiatives presented were:
- The Trails at Mena, a proposed lift-served mountain biking destination in the Ouachita Mountains that officials say will be the largest of its kind in the world.
- Oz Trails Bella Vista Bike Park, designed for gravity-fed mountain biking.
- The continued buildout of the Delta Heritage Trail, a rail-to-trail system through the Arkansas Delta.
- Expanded accessibility programs, including Action Trackchairs for visitors with limited mobility.
The SCORP focuses on five strategic areas: improving trail connectivity, increasing access and inclusivity, using technology to enhance visitor experience, encouraging physical and mental health through recreation, and fostering environmental stewardship.
Tourism’s economic role
According to data shared by the state, Arkansas hosted 50.7 million visitors in 2023, a 17.1 percent increase from 2022. Visitor spending reached $9.9 billion, reinforcing tourism’s role as the state’s second-largest industry.
Air travel to the state also grew, with Northwest Arkansas National Airport surpassing Clinton National Airport in total passengers. The trend reflects growing interest in outdoor and nature-based tourism, particularly in the northwest and central parts of the state.
International tourism outlook
Nationally, the outlook for international travel to the United States is mixed. While some forecasts call for modest growth in arrivals through 2025 and beyond, recent declines in travel from certain countries—such as Canada, South Korea and parts of Europe, have created uncertainty in the market.
At the same time, global interest in outdoor and wellness travel remains strong. Demand for nature-based, health-conscious experiences continues to rise as international travelers seek destinations that offer authenticity and opportunities to disconnect.
Arkansas officials said the state is well-positioned to meet that demand with its blend of parks, trails, rivers, and cultural heritage.
Moving forward
Following the event, Arkansas tourism representatives will follow up with tour operators, travel writers, and content producers they met during IPW. These relationships are expected to lead to increased inclusion of Arkansas in international travel itineraries, promotional campaigns, and media coverage.
By focusing on long-term outdoor recreation planning and leveraging growing interest in wellness and nature, Arkansas is aiming to strengthen its presence in the international tourism market while continuing to serve the growing number of domestic travelers drawn to its natural landscapes.
Photos for this article are courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT).
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
