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In Hot Springs Arkansas, where natural thermal springs combine with cultural heritage to attract visitors, a long-time tourism advocate will receive recognition for his work to develop the state’s travel industry. The upcoming 53rd Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation in Little Rock from 22 to 24 February 2026 will honor Steve Arrison, who built Visit Hot Springs into a tourism organization through his three-decade work as chief executive officer.
This prestigious accolade not only celebrates Arrison’s enduring legacy in destination branding and visitor experience but also signals a broader momentum for Arkansas’ tourism sector, which continues to expand as a key economic engine for the state.
Arrison has served as CEO of Visit Hot Springs for 27 years, shaping the city’s tourism strategy and leading promotional initiatives that have helped draw more than 3.6 million overnight guests annually, a remarkable achievement that has driven local economic engagement and statewide awareness.
Under his stewardship, Visit Hot Springs operates with a substantial annual budget and manages critical assets such as the Hot Springs Convention Center, the Northwoods Biking and Hiking Trails System, and the Majestic Park baseball complex, all of which anchor the city’s appeal as a multi‑faceted travel destination.
Recognised for his creativity and bold events programming, Arrison founded signature experiences like the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Running of the Tubs Bathtub Races, and the Hot Springs Baseball Trail, attractions that have garnered national visibility and contributed significantly to the culture and tourism brand of the region.
The Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame honours individuals whose leadership, strategic vision, and dedication have left a lasting imprint on the state’s travel and visitor sectors. Arrison’s induction recognises his nearly three decades of sustained innovation and collaborative work to raise Arkansas’ profile as a compelling destination for leisure and business travellers.
While more detailed criteria from the official Hall of Fame programme are not publicly listed on the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism’s official channels, inductees are traditionally selected for their significant contributions to regional tourism development, promotion, and economic impact, all areas in which Arrison has demonstrated leadership.
Tourism in Arkansas has emerged as a major economic force, with an estimated 50.7 million visitors in 2023, up more than 17 percent from the previous year. These visitors generated nearly $9.9 billion in economic activity, highlighting the industry’s role as the state’s second–largest economic driver.
State tourism officials attribute this growth to expanded marketing, natural attractions, and year‑round outdoor recreation experiences that distinguish Arkansas as The Natural State. The Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, which guides the statewide tourism mission continues to invest in branding, events, parks, trails, and heritage assets to broaden the appeal for both domestic and international travellers.
Arrison’s induction into the Hall of Fame comes at a time when Arkansas is capitalising on diverse tourism assets that collectively enrich visitor experiences across the state. These include world‑class natural attractions, historic destinations, cultural sites, and outdoor recreation hubs.
Key Arkansas tourism destinations and what they are famous for include:
Together, these attractions and the marketing ingenuity of leaders like Arrison elevate Arkansas’ tourism identity and broaden its reach beyond traditional visitor markets.
Arrison’s recognition is more than personal distinction; it underscores the strategic value of innovative tourism leadership in driving long‑term economic growth and destination competitiveness.
While Firm numbers and formal announcements from the Governor’s Conference are pending, tourism stakeholders believe this accolade will further energise promotional efforts, inspire community partnerships, and attract investment across the sector from small business owners to state‑level tourism programming.
With Arkansas continuing to welcome millions of visitors each year and tourism investment rising, the tourism landscape of 2026 looks promising. Initiatives championed by leaders like Arrison from signature events to destination marketing are expected to sustain the upward trajectory in visitor engagement and spending.
As Arkansas prepares to celebrate this tourism milestone in Little Rock later this month, industry observers note that the Hall of Fame induction reinforces a collective mission: to elevate Arkansas as an unforgettable travel destination where history, culture, nature, and hospitality converge.
Steve Arrison’s Hall of Fame induction serves as more than a personal achievement for Arkansas residents and workers and visitors because it proves the state has established itself as an important national travel destination that will attract future visitors.
The post Arkansas Tourism Leader Steve Arrison Joins Arkansas Tourism Hall Of Fame, Boosting Statewide Tourism Growth appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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