Tourism in Arkansas reached a historic milestone in 2024, with visitor spending hitting $10.3 billion—a 4% increase from the previous year.
Central to this growth is the state’s flourishing outdoor recreation sector, which continues to be a major economic engine and a defining feature of the Arkansas tourism experience.
According to the Arkansas Tourism Economic Impact Report, the tourism sector supported 71,633 jobs and generated $834 million in state and local tax revenue.
Nearly 52 million people visited Arkansas last year, including 37.5 million overnight stays, many of which were centered around the state’s trails, parks, waterways, and campgrounds.
“Tourism and outdoor recreation are powerful, driving forces in Arkansas’ economy,” said Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
“These aren’t just projects. They represent a long-term strategy to grow a tourism economy that’s economically sound, sustainable and forward-looking,” Shea added.
Outdoor recreation alone contributed $7.3 billion to Arkansas’s GDP in 2023—2.5% of the total—and supported more than 68,000 jobs, surpassing agriculture in employment impact.
The state led the nation in outdoor amenity construction growth and ranked among the top ten for economic activity related to hunting and fishing.
In 2024, Arkansas added 2,300 new outdoor-related jobs. Regions such as Northwest Arkansas, Little Rock, and West Central Arkansas saw the highest levels of growth, driven by investment in bike parks, expanded trail systems, and upgraded public lands.
These amenities continue to draw adventure travelers while creating new opportunities for local businesses and rural communities.
State tax revenue from tourism increased to $594 million, a 3.5% rise, while local tax collections climbed to $240 million.
Without these funds, each Arkansas household would need to contribute an estimated $930 annually to maintain the same level of public services.
Visitor spending on outdoor-centric travel also influenced major tourism categories: food and beverage and transportation each accounted for 29% of spending, followed by lodging (17%) and retail (13%).
“This is everybody’s National Park and this is everybody’s chance to shape its future,” said Arkansas Tourism Director Dalaney Thomas.
“We promise easy-to-access outdoor experiences with a warm and welcoming spirit,” Dalaney added.
The report affirms Arkansas’s growing reputation as a top-tier, year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
With continued investment in trails, campsites, and recreational infrastructure, the state is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for nature-based travel and maintain momentum in one of its most economically and culturally vital sectors.