Lifestyles
Arkansas to celebrate Tourist Appreciation Day May 15
By Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
May 15, 2006

In recognition of the positive economic, social, and cultural impact of the travel and tourism industry, people across the United States will be celebrating See America Week May 13 - 21.

Arkansas will celebrate May 13 - 21 as See Arkansas Week, and Monday, May 15, is Arkansas Tourist Appreciation Day for the travelers who actually make that impact happen.

In 2005, almost 22 million visitors traveled in Arkansas, spending an estimated $4.6 billion, which generated nearly $260 million in state taxes and $97 million in local taxes.

The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism is hosting a Tourist Appreciation Day Trade Show in the River Market East Pavilion from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on May 15.  Regional Tourist Associations, cities, government agencies, and local businesses will have booths at the trade show with information on tourism destinations across the state.

Throughout the day visitors to the trade show will have a chance to win discount coupons, admission tickets to state tourist attractions such as Garvan Woodland Gardens and Hot Springs Mountain Tower, gift certificates for Indian Hills Country Club and the Brickhouse Grill, posters, and gift baskets from Arkansas tourist destinations including the city of El Dorado, the Ozark Gateway, and Arkansas’s only Four Diamond – Five Duck hotel, The Peabody.  Swirl of Arkansas will be serving free samples of Swirl frozen healthy non-carbonated beverages - a treat that contains vitamins and calcium and counts as a fruit on a food service line.

Other vendors participating in the Tourist Appreciation Day trade show include the Arkansas Hospitality Association, Arkansas River Valley Tri-Peaks, Arkansas' South, Arkansas's Great Southwest, Central Delta Historical Society, City of Brinkley, City of Jacksonville, Delta Byways, Diamond Lakes Travel Association, El Dorado’s A&P Commission and Chamber of Commerce, city of Eureka Springs,

Fairfield Bay Community Club, Inc., Greers Ferry Lake/Little Red River, Heart of Arkansas, Little Rock

Convention and Visitors Bureau, Main Street El Dorado, Ozark Gateway Tourist Council, Ozark Mountain Region, The Peabody, Sherwood Advertising & Promotions, Swirl of Little Rock, TEA Career Center of Pulaski County/Arkansas Workforce Center at Little Rock

For general information on See America Week/See Arkansas Week contact Kristine Puckett, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR  72201. (501) 682-5240.