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Group Tour Operators & Leaders: Motorcoach Incentive Program
Arkansas Motorcoach Incentive Program
Act 233
Rules and Regulations
Download Motorcoach Incentive Program Application in PDF format.
INTRODUCTION
The State of Arkansas has recognized that motorcoach tours contribute
significantly to the growth and economic well being of its tourism
industry. In an effort to increase the number of tours and overnight
stays associated with motorcoach travel in Arkansas, the Motorcoach
Incentive Act was passed by the Arkansas Legislature and signed
into law on February 24, 1999. Act 233 will also make Arkansas competitive
with other states that are attempting to attract tourism, and, more
specifically, motorcoach tours.
I. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY
Application may be made by any travel agent, tour operator, tour
broker or group leader who plans and promotes group tours provided
that the tourists being transported spend at least one night per
trip in an Arkansas lodging establishment, (i.e.), hotel, motel,
inn, or other facility providing overnight accommodations. Only
the party responsible for the planning, promoting and payment of
the trip will be eligible to apply. Individuals and group leaders
serving only as tour escorts are not eligible to apply. Group tours
do not include athletic teams, cheerleader squads and bands traveling
to athletic events. Group tours do not include school events (trips
undertaken by students while participating in functions or activities
of primary, secondary and higher education institutions).
II. DEFINITION OF INCENTIVE PAYMENT
Eligible applicants are entitled to an incentive payment equal
to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per night per group utilizing a
minimum of 20 rooms for travel involving an overnight stay in Arkansas
while transporting tourists by motorcoach within the state.
III. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR INCENTIVE PAYMENT
To adequately determine the entitlement to the incentive payment
provided by Act 233, an eligible applicant must provide the following
documentation to the Group Travel Section of the Arkansas Department
of Parks and Tourism: A. Completed Motorcoach Incentive Program
Application Form 020 GTR 967 B. Copies of detailed itineraries for
traveling in Arkansas (per trip, per group) The itineraries must
include: 1. Site visitation information, (i.e.), attractions visited,
restaurants patronized, and lodging establishments where overnight
stay was conducted. 2. Dates of the trip(s) for which incentive
payment is being requested. C. Copies of an overnight lodging receipt,
which establishes the rental of at least twenty (20) rooms per night
per payment, claimed.
IV. WHEN TO APPLY
The Arkansas Motorcoach Incentive Program will start effective
July 1, 1999. Eligible applicants may apply for the incentive payment
on a calendar year basis beginning calendar year 2000. Application
for the incentive payment with all required documentation must be
made to the Group Travel Section of the Arkansas Department of Parks
and Tourism on or before the first day of April of the year following
the calendar year in which the incentive was earned. For the year
1999, the incentive will be available for trips between July 1,
1999 and December 31, 1999.
V. PAYMENT SCHEDULE
On receipt of the necessary documentation from the applicant, the
Executive Director of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
or the Director's designee shall certify the eligibility of the
applicant for the incentive payment and the amount of the incentive
payment due. The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism shall
be responsible for making the incentive payment to the eligible
applicant from the Motorcoach Incentive Program Fund. Payments will
be made in a timely manner upon receipt of the required certification
and/or documentation.
VI. HOW TO APPLY
All required documentation described previously in Section III
must be completed, signed, and returned to the following address:
Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
Group Travel Section
One Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72201
1-800-872-1259 FAX 501-682-2523
Any attachments must be clearly marked with reference to the corresponding
Motorcoach Incentive Program Application.
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