Shea Lewis

Analysis after the fact has taught tourism officials that the market for a solar eclipse is much like the market for state parks and other outdoor recreation. read more >

A $26 million-a-year series of contracts for advertising Arkansas tourism appears headed to five-decade vendor CJRW of Little Rock last week despite serious misgivings from some state lawmakers. read more >

The future of the tourism and hospitality industry in Arkansas is so bright you just might need shades, particularly if you came to the state to view the total solar eclipse on April 8. read more >

To calculate how many eclipse chasers will be looking skyward in Arkansas at 1:45 p.m. on Monday, April 8, economists and tourism officials started by looking backward. read more >

The regional “appointment style” marketplace will be at the Statehouse Convention Center and will offer tourism professionals a chance to engage directly with group tour professionals and southeastern suppliers. read more >

The event is schedule for Feb. 25-27 in Jonesboro. read more >

Businesses and consumers in Arkansas and the rest of the country spent 2023 in the shadow of rising interest rates. Businesses dealt with other adversity, including rising insurance rates and a deadly March tornado. Other stories this year were more hopeful. read more >

A grand plan backed by enthusiastic supporters would build new tourism byways to traverse Polk County by land and air. read more >

A statue honoring publisher John H. Johnson was unveiled Nov. 1 at Delta Heritage Trail State Park in Arkansas City. read more >

Tourism is a $9.2 billion industry in Arkansas, and more than 48 million people visited the state last year, according to the state Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism. read more >

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders names Dalaney Thomas, a former tourism account manager for CJRW of Little Rock, director of tourism at the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism. read more >

About 400 touring and recreational cyclists from across the country are expected to participate next year, providing an economic boost at each stop along the route. read more >

A yearlong birthday bash will promote notable events and upgrades at some of the most popular state parks in Arkansas. read more >

Arkansas State Parks Director Shea Lewis says he expects the trend of record visitation to continue this year. read more >

He now leads the operation of 52 state parks and oversees a $158 million annual budget. read more >