Arkansas is taking another step to strengthen its outdoor recreation economy with the launch of Guide ARK, a new statewide network designed to connect visitors with verified outdoor guides across the Natural State.
The program, led by the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, is now accepting applications from professional guides who want to be included in a trusted directory that will eventually be available to the public through Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism’s tourism platform, Arkansas Tourism and the state’s official travel website, Arkansas.com.
The initiative aims to make it easier for visitors and residents alike to find experienced guides for activities ranging from fishing and hunting to mountain biking, paddling, and climbing.
A Statewide Network of Verified Outdoor Guides
Guide ARK will serve as a verified directory of licensed and insured outdoor professionals, offering guided experiences across Arkansas throughout the year.
Activities included in the network span many of the state’s most popular outdoor pursuits, including:
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Cycling
Arkansas officials say the program is designed to strengthen the connection between visitors and the experts who know the state’s landscapes best.
“From world-record brown trout to mountain bike trails that put Arkansas on the map, this state has outdoor experiences that rival anywhere in the country,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Guide ARK connects visitors to the professionals who know these places best, and that connection is good for adventurers, good for guides, and good for Arkansas.”
First Phase Focuses on Guide Enrollment
The initial phase of the program is focused on building a database of professional guides.
Outdoor professionals can apply now at no cost by submitting documentation verifying their credentials. Requirements include:
- Appropriate licenses
- Proof of insurance
- Safety certifications
- Business registration
Applications are currently open as the state begins building the network of approved guides.
Once the first group of guides has been verified, the directory will launch publicly on Arkansas’s official tourism website, allowing visitors to easily search for guided experiences throughout the state.
Approved guides will renew their participation each year to maintain their listing.
Promoting Arkansas’ Outdoor Professionals
According to state officials, Guide ARK is intended to strengthen Arkansas’s growing outdoor recreation industry while helping guides reach a broader audience.
“Guide ARK is an important step in supporting and promoting Arkansas’ outdoor professionals,” said Katherine Andrews, director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation. “It makes it easier for people to find high-quality experiences while helping guides build visibility and credibility. This is about growing Arkansas’ outdoor economy in a way that benefits businesses and visitors alike.”
Marketing and Visibility for Guides
Guides approved for the Guide ARK program will gain several promotional benefits designed to help them reach more customers.
These benefits include:
- Visibility on Arkansas.com
- Promotion through travel guides and state tourism newsletters
- Exposure at Arkansas Welcome Centers and state parks
- A digital certification stamp and decal for websites and social media
- Access to Arkansas tourism marketing resources and visitation data
- Potential invitations to trade shows and statewide promotional campaigns
- Participation opportunities at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
State officials hope the program will help strengthen Arkansas’s reputation as a destination for guided outdoor experiences while also supporting small businesses and independent guides.
Outdoor professionals interested in joining the network can apply through the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation.
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!
