Arkansas tourism officials announce Henry Award winners
by February 26, 2025 12:26 pm 791 views
(from left) Arkansas Tourism Director Dalaney Thomas, Jack Moyer, Tourism Person of the Year, and Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
Eureka Springs, Hot Springs, and Russellville were among the cities highlighted in the recent Henry Awards announced by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism held in Bentonville from Feb. 23-25.
The tourism awards honor the individuals, organizations, and attractions making an extraordinary impact on the state’s tourism industry, according to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. The Henry Award is named after Henri de Tonti, a 17th-century explorer believed to be one of the first Arkansas Travelers, and who is credited with developing the first trading post in Arkansas.
Jack Moyer of Eureka Springs was named the Tourism Person of the Year, which is presented to an individual actively involved in tourism and who has made a substantial contribution within the past year to the betterment of the tourism industry. According to the state department, Moyer has played a role in shaping the hospitality and tourism landscape of Eureka Springs and beyond.
“Through strategic partnerships, community engagement and dedication to hospitality excellence, Moyer continues to help elevate Eureka Springs’ reputation as a premier travel destination, reinforcing Arkansas’ position as a top choice for visitors,” the agency noted.
The Bentonville-based Peel Compton Foundation received the Tourism Attraction of the Year award. The foundation draws visitors from across the country and showcases Arkansas as a premier outdoor destination through Coler Mountain Bike Preserve.
“With 500 acres of pristine landscape and thoughtful design that integrates seamlessly with the environment, Coler offers world-class biking, camping and community experiences,” according to the award announcement.
Bobby Finster, with Batesville-based Rural Innovation Group received the Individual Innovation in Tourism award. According to the state, Finster’s work with the Rural Innovation Group has revolutionized outdoor tourism in rural Arkansas through the development of the White River Gravel Trail and innovative cycling events like the Cave City Melon Grind, the Burt Reynolds Ride, and the Sandtown Shuffle.
“His efforts bring new visitors to the Batesville area, blending adventure tourism with cultural heritage and driving local economic growth,” the agency noted.
The Moon Over Main event in Russellville received the Natural State Tourism Development Award.
“The Moon Over Main multiday event brought more than 46,000 visitors from across the U.S. and 45 countries to Russellville to celebrate the 2024 solar eclipse. Featuring NASA exhibits, live eclipse updates, live music, merchandise giveaways and family-friendly activities, the event highlighted the city’s creativity and showcased its community pride through partnerships between businesses and organizations,” noted the award announcement.
Visit Hot Springs was named the Tourism Organization of the Year, which is presented to a convention and visitors bureau, advertising and promotion commission, chamber of commerce, or other entity involved in tourism.
“Visit Hot Springs delivered an extraordinary experience for the 2024 Great American Eclipse, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and making a significant economic impact,” the agency noted.
The 2025 Tourism Hall of Fame inductees (Joe DeVito and Alice Walton) were previously announced and were recognized during the Feb. 25 ceremony.