Arkansas Tourism Week to be Celebrated May 6-12
May 2001

In recognition of travel and tourism's tremendous economic, social, and cultural impact, people across the United States will be celebrating National Tourism Week. May 6-12 will be designated as Arkansas Tourism Week by proclamation of Governor Mike Huckabee, according to Joe David Rice, Arkansas Tourism Director. Wednesday, May 9, is Arkansas Tourist Appreciation Day, for all of the visitors who make the impact happen. Everyone is encouraged to wear red in honor of the occasion.

In 2000, over 20.3 million visitors vacationed in Arkansas, spending an estimated $3.8 billion. Some $173 million in state taxes and an additional $73 million in local taxes were derived from this economic activity. Dollars spent by tourists produce a ripple effect that is felt in every community.

Across the state, communities are planning to salute Arkansas Tourism Week in a variety of ways. Here's a look at some of the activities planned:

Bentonville: On Wednesday, May 9th, staff at the State Tourist Information Center will be serving refreshments to visitors. They also plan to "capture" one lucky visitor and take him or her to lunch in honor of National Tourism Day. For more information contact Phyllis Spradlin, Bentonville Tourist  Information Center, 13750 Visitor Center Drive, Bella Vista, AR 72714. (501) 855-3111.

Blytheville: The staff at the State Tourist Information Center will be serving refreshments to visitors from 10:00 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, May 9th. For further information contact Diane James, Blytheville Tourist Information Center, I-55 North, P.O. Box 192, Blytheville, AR 72316. (870) 762-2512.

Corning: The Corning Tourist Information Center will celebrate National Tourism Day by welcoming guests and serving refreshments throughout the day on Wednesday. For more information contact Phyllis Burrow, Corning Tourist Information Center, 6717 Highway 67, Corning, AR 72422. (870) 857-6014.

Fort Smith/Van Buren: The Tourist Information Center will host a celebration on Wednesday, May 9, featuring comments by area tourism officials. The Van Buren and Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commissions will recognize a Tourist of the Day and present that tourist with a basket of special gifts. The staff will serve refreshments and distribute gift bags of local products to the tourists that day. For further information contact Barbara Wilson, Fort Smith/Van Buren Tourist Information Center, 2915 Interstate 40 West, Van Buren, AR  72956. (501) 474-9512.

Harrison: The Tourist Information Center here will celebrate National Tourism Day with refreshments, starting at 9 a.m. and continuing until 3 p.m. Coffee, juice, and pastries will be on hand for early visitors, with sandwich trays, fruit trays, and vegetable trays for anyone arriving after 11 a.m. Local and state officials will be on hand to greet travelers and Mayor Robert Reynolds will officially dedicate May 9th as Tourism Day in Harrison. Surprises and gifts will be awarded throughout the day. The local newspaper, Harrison Daily Times, will record the day with pictures and stories, and radio Stations KHOZ and KCWD will broadcast live from 11a.m. until 1 p.m. For further information, contact Norma Sims, Harrison Tourist Information Center, 3391 U.S. Hwy. 65 North, Harrison, AR 72601. (870) 741-3343.

Lake Village: On Wednesday, May 9, the Tourist Information Center will celebrate National Tourism Day with a  "A Taste of Chicot County." Restaurants in Chicot County will provide a specialty from their menu for visitors to sample. Foods included will be Chinese, hot tamales, doughnuts for dessert, sandwiches, fried chicken, and kid meals from McDonald's for the children. For further information contact Martin Reese, Lake Village Tourist Information Center, 3697 Hwy. 65-82 South, Lake Village, AR  71653. (870) 265-5832.

Little Rock/North Little Rock: "Summertime in the Cities" is the theme for the Twin Cities National Tourism Day fun at Little Rock's River Market from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be opportunities to learn about all the things to do in Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Central Arkansas. Games, prizes, and entertainment will be provided by local organizations and attractions. Door prizes will be awarded every 15 minutes. Sponsored by Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau and North Little Rock Visitors Bureau.

Siloam Springs: The State Tourist Information Center here will celebrate National Tourism Day on May 9th by welcoming guests and serving refreshments throughout day. For further information contact Ruth Anne Richard, Siloam Springs Tourist Information Center, 2000 U.S. 412 West, Siloam Springs, AR 72761. (501) 524-4445.

Texarkana: The State Tourist Information Center will celebrate May 9th by welcoming guests and serving refreshments throughout day. For further information contact Paula Warren, Texarkana Tourist Information Center, 2222 Interstate 30, Texarkana, AR 71854. (870) 773-0963.

West Memphis: The West Memphis Tourist Center will be celebrating Tourism Day on Wednesday, May 9th  from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  Mayor Bill Johnson of West Memphis and Mayor Frank Fogleman of Marion, along with other local dignitaries, will be on hand as will the Civil Air Patrol Cadets of the Delta Composite Squadron, who will present the colors and  present arms. The West Memphis High School Band and Corbet and Shirley Stanley of Millington, TN will perform, and afterwards, over 100 red, white, and blue balloons will be released by the public. Refreshments will be served and novelties will be distributed among the guests. There will be drawings for door prizes every hour. For further information, contact Martha Schuh, West Memphis Tourist Information Center, I-40 West, P.O. Box 1449, West Memphis, AR  72303. (870) 735-3637.

For general information on National Tourism Week contact: Donna Perrin, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR  72201. (501) 682-5240.

This release, along with others by the Department of Parks & Tourism, is available electronically through the Arkansas Press Association Bulletin Board: apa@lr.cleaf.com (in-state only) and the Department’s Web site: www.arkansas.com under media information.

Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR  72201, 501-682-7606
E-Mail:  info@arkansas.com