Report: Tourism helped generate $23 million in visitor spending in Fayetteville in 2025
by March 30, 2026 4:01 pm 392 views
Experience Fayetteville, the tourism marketing agency for the city of Fayetteville, recently released its 2025 Impact Report that shows tourism activity helped generate 38,337 hotel room nights and about $23 million in visitor spending.
The report highlighted the city’s visitor demand, national events and continued investment in community programs. The 2025 event with the largest economic impact at $8.6 million, 24,000 attendees, and 7,159 room nights was the Banana Ball, according to the report.
“Tourism supports the businesses, events, and amenities that make Fayetteville such a special place for the people who live here,” said Ryan Hauck, CEO of Experience Fayetteville. “Our goal is to ensure that the growth we see strengthens the community and enhances everyday life for residents.”
Experience Fayetteville’s total revenue rose by 1.56% to $6.5 million in 2025 from $6.4 million in 2024. Receipts of the city’s lodging and restaurant taxes are split 50-50 between Fayetteville Parks and Recreation and Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission, the governing body of Experience Fayetteville. The receipts have risen from just under $6 million in 2014 to over $10 million in 2025.
According to the report, the receipts accounted for 82% of Experience Fayetteville’s revenue in 2025, down from 83% in 2024.
The Fayetteville Town Center accounted for 13% of revenue, up from 12% in 2024. The venue hosted 441 events in 2025, including 135 nonprofit gatherings, ranging from area fundraisers and civic meetings to regional conferences. In 2024, the center hosted over 250 events, including 62 nonprofit bookings. The 2024 numbers were up by 50 and 28, respectively, from 2023. Visitor center sales, event income, banner fees and grants comprised 5% of revenue in 2025, flat from 2024.
The report shows that Experience Fayetteville continued to invest in community programs in 2025, including annual events such as NWA Pride, Strawberry Festival and Lights of the Ozarks. Experience Fayetteville remained focused on initiatives for visitors and residents.
“The city’s new Destination Master Plan outlines a long-term strategy to guide tourism growth while protecting Fayetteville’s character, outdoor assets and cultural identity,” according to a news release. “Programs such as Fayetteville Restaurant Week, Fayetteville Ale Trail, and the Fayetteville Bikepacking Route Network helped highlight the city’s trails, restaurants, and local businesses — assets residents enjoy year-round.”
This year, the city is preparing to host new events and expand programs, including international soccer matches and the return of the Cyclocross National Championships.
Link here for a PDF of the 2025 report.