Tourism On The Rise In Arkansas

Arkansas’ tourism tax collections through July are up 1.74% compared to the same period of 2010 and aren’t far behind 2008, the record year of collections for the state’s 2% tourism tax.

From January through July 2011, the state’s 2% tourism tax brought in $7.116 million, compared to $6.994 million during the same period one year ago. The year-to-date tourism tax collections are 2.29% more than compared to the 2009 period, and are just 1.42% below 2008. In 2008, the state collected a record $12.005 million from the tourism tax.

The boost in travel and vacationing in Arkansas can be attributed to several factors, says Joe David Rice, Arkansas’ tourism director.

"Arkansas’s tourism industry has a couple of key things going for it. First, we have a good product and we’re continuing to make it better. Next, our research-based marketing campaign is making the most of every tax dollar we invest. And we’re very fortunate that several of our key feeder markets have been pretty resilient in these tough economic times," Rice said.

Arkansas’ top out-of-state markets for visitors include: Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City, Springfield, St. Louis, Memphis, Jackson, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth.

Rice said that two states stand out in particular.

"The Texas and Oklahoma economies seem to be in better shape than most, and I think their residents are still traveling – with many of them choosing the Natural State," Rice said.

The state’s tourism sector — Leisure & Hospitality jobs — employed an estimated 105,300 during August, down compared to the 106,100 in July and 5.93% more than in August 2010.