Adventure Awaits: Discover Arkansas Tourism Week as the Natural State celebrates its vibrant travel industry, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. From May 4-10, 2025, Arkansas joins the nation in spotlighting how tourism drives economic growth and creates lasting connections through events, attractions, and exploration across every corner of the state.
Tourism is a cornerstone of Arkansas’s economy, generating billions in economic impact and supporting thousands of jobs across the state. From the Ozark Highlands to the Delta plains, the Natural State welcomes millions of visitors annually who come to explore its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and rich cultural heritage.
“Arkansas is known as The Natural State for a reason — that’s why Arkansans and visitors alike continue to travel our state for world-class outdoor recreation and cultural attractions, unique lodging, and elevated culinary experiences,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
A State Full of Adventure and Connection
Whether it’s hiking through the first national river in America, the Buffalo National River, or soaking in the steamy thermal waters of Hot Springs National Park, travelers find a deep connection with the outdoors here. Arkansas’s 52 state parks offer world-class hiking, biking, fishing, and interpretive programs, while the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests offer serene camping under starlit skies and paddling along clear, winding streams.
Visitors also flock to the shores of lakes like Lake Ouachita, Greers Ferry Lake, and Beaver Lake, where houseboating, swimming, kayaking, and camping create memorable experiences for families and adventurers alike.
Arkansas Travel and Tourism Week: A Model for Growth
Cities like Bentonville and Little Rock are spotlighting the momentum behind tourism with innovative programs and investments. Bentonville, known for its arts and culture scene and rapidly growing outdoor recreation economy, is taking this opportunity to celebrate how tourism fuels not only economic growth but also community identity. Home to the world-renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, a dynamic culinary scene, and expansive trail systems for cyclists and hikers, Bentonville reflects how travel drives sustainable development and meaningful experiences.
“Travel drives economic opportunity and strengthens our community,” said Kalene Griffith, president and CEO of Visit Bentonville. “This National Travel and Tourism Week, we celebrate travel’s undeniable impact and reaffirm its importance in shaping our local economy and quality of life. From our earliest investments of Lawrence Plaza to our most recent contributions to Phillips Park and the Bentonville Public Library, we continue to reinvest tourism tax revenue into experiences that make Bentonville even better for residents and visitors alike.”
Little Rock, the state capital, also shines during NTTW, with attractions like the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, Riverfront Park, Arkansas Museum of Fine Art, and a vibrant music and food culture. The city’s tourism leaders emphasize that every visit contributes to the local economy—supporting small businesses, jobs, and community programs.
“Each year, National Travel & Tourism Week is a time to celebrate our vibrant industry and recognize its tremendous impact,” said Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO Gina Gemberling. “As the official destination marketing organization for Little Rock, the LRCVB is proud to lead efforts that bring visitors, meetings, conventions, and special events to our community. Our mission goes beyond simply attracting guests—it’s about enhancing the economic vitality and cultural vibrancy of our city.”
The Numbers Behind the Experience
In 2023 alone, Arkansas welcomed over 48 million visitors, contributing approximately $9.2 billion in total travel expenditures and supporting over 70,026 direct jobs, with an additional 30,365 jobs supported from the indirect and induced impacts of visitor activity. The total jobs’ impact reached 100,392 in 2023, one of every 18 jobs in the state.
These numbers are more than economic statistics—they represent real people and real communities strengthened by tourism. (source)
Moving Forward Together
As National Travel and Tourism Week continues, Arkansans are encouraged to support the industry by exploring their own backyards, visiting local parks and museums, dining at locally-owned restaurants, and sharing their favorite Arkansas adventures with friends and family.
Whether you’re hiking a rugged trail or soaking in historic springs, Adventure Awaits: Discover Arkansas Tourism Week and experience the best the Natural State has to offer.
All 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!
