Finalists named for 2022 Excellence in Arkansas Tourism Awards

The winners of the Excellence in Arkansas Tourism Awards will be revealed on Tuesday, March 1, during the 48th annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism to be held in Fayetteville Feb. 27-March 1. The awards recognize outstanding accomplishment in Arkansas’s tourism industry.  

The awards and finalists are: 

The Natural State Community Development Award is presented to a community, organization, special event or attraction for an innovative project that “stands out from the crowd” because of its unique appeal or creative approach that increases community pride and placemaking. 

• Greater Searcy County Chamber of Commerce and Witts Springs Community Voices   
• Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau   
• Thrive, Inc. 

The Tourism Organization of the Year is presented to a convention and visitors bureau, advertising and promotion commission, chamber of commerce or other entity for excellence over the course of the previous year. 

• Greater Searcy County Chamber of Commerce 
• Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau 
• Visit Hot Springs 

The Tourism Attraction of the Year recognizes the contribution of local attractions in drawing visitors, delivering excellence in customer service and enhancing the profile of the area.  

• Hot Springs National Park 
• Siloam Springs Memorial Park 
• White River Wonderland 

The Rising Star Award is presented to a young tourism professional in recognition of specific accomplishments, demonstrated leadership and commitment to the industry.  

• Seth Eli Barlow 
• Paul and Sarah Heer 
• Brannon Pack 

The Tourism Region of the Year is presented to one of Arkansas’s 12 Regional Tourist Associations for excellence over the course of the previous year. The award is voted on by the Arkansas Tourism industry and all registered conference attendees. 

• Northwest Arkansas Tourism Association 
• Diamond Lakes Travel Association  
• Ozark Mountain Region 

During the awards ceremony, the Tourism Person of the Year Award will also be announced. Selected by former honorees, the Tourism Person of the Year Award is presented annually to an individual who has been actively involved in tourism and who has made a substantial contribution, within the past year, to the betterment of the tourism industry as a whole. 
  
The Tourism Hall of Fame Award is presented the previous day of the conference, recognizing individuals who have been actively involved for many years in tourism and have made substantial contributions to the betterment of the industry. This year’s inductees are Louis Cella and Bill Ott. 
  
For more information on the 48th annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism, contact Arkansas Tourism at 501-682-1926. For specific information on the Excellence in Arkansas Tourism Awards, contact KateLynn Parks at 501-682-1676. 
 
About Arkansas Tourism  
 
Arkansas Tourism, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, strives to expand the economic impact of travel and tourism in the state and enhance the quality of life for all Arkansans. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. For more information, visit www.arkansas.com.