Van Buren Hotel Revenue Jumps 10.5 Percent

The Van Buren Advertising and Promotion Commission counts on its history to draw in visitors who pass through on Interstate 40. In 2005, the city’s nine lodging facilities generated $3.18 million in revenue, up 10.5 percent over $2.88 million in 2004. Van Buren has a 1 percent sales tax on restaurants and lodging that is used to promote and develop tourism.

Van Buren’s 57 restaurants and convenience stores brought in $30.16 million in 2005, up 2.9 percent from $29.31 million the previous year.

A large part of the draw to Van Buren is historic downtown Main Street, said Maryl Koeth, director of advertising and promotions for the city. The oldest building on Main Street dates back to the 1840s, and many of the other buildings date back to the turn of the 20th century.

Many of the buildings are still standing and are occupied by businesses — like antique shops, hobby shops, gift shops, cafés and specialty shops.

Koeth said there is currently a 65 percent to 70 percent occupancy rate for the shops downtown, which is better than last year’s rate of 60 percent. Koeth said she’d like a 90 percent rate.

“Part of our development this year is that we’re marketing to investors who want to come in and open shops on our Main Street to put some dollars into our historic buildings so that we can preserve this part of our tourism efforts,” Koeth said.

In the summer and fall, the city has two main festivals downtown. Old Timers Day in May and the Fall Festival in October bring in about 30,000 people each for the two-day events, she said, which offer rides, food and a free concert.

The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad excursion train that runs roundtrip from Springdale to Van Buren and Van Buren to Winslow has brought about 15,000 passengers through the Van Buren depot, Koeth said.