An estimated 54.3 million people visited Arkansas in 2025, setting a state record and increasing by more than 2 million visitors from the previous year, according to a new tourism economic-impact report. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the findings, stating that visitors spent $10.2 billion and generated a total economic impact of $17.4 billion across the state.
Tourism Supports Local Jobs and Economy
Tourism supported an estimated 71,860 direct jobs in Arkansas, with visitors spending about $3 billion at restaurants and other local businesses. The study also estimated that visitor-generated state and local tax revenue reduced the amount Arkansas households otherwise would have needed to pay to maintain the same level of government revenue by $919 per household.
“From our mountains and rivers to our trails, parks, and small towns, Arkansas offers experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else,” Sanders said. “That’s creating jobs and opportunity across our state and helping it become one of the nation’s top destinations.”
The Natural State Initiative, launched by Sanders in 2023, focuses on outdoor recreation, conservation, tourism investment, and increased access to Arkansas’ natural areas. The administration has established economic opportunity zones around Pinnacle Mountain, Petit Jean, Delta Heritage Trail, and Queen Wilhelmina state parks to encourage tourism development.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
