Finalists of the 2022 Excellence in Arkansas Tourism Awards have been announced, with the winners to be revealed on Tuesday, March 1 during the Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism. The conference will be held from Feb. 27-March 1 in Fayetteville. 

 

The finalists are listed below: 

 

The Natural State Community Development Award: a community, organization, special event or attraction for an innovative project that has creatively increased community engagement. 

 

Greater Searcy County Chamber of Commerce and Witts Springs Community Voices 

Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau 

Thrive, Inc. 

 

The Tourism Organization of the year: to a convention and visitors bureau, advertising and promotion commission, chamber of commerce or other entity. 

 

Greater Searcy County Chamber of Commerce 

Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau 

Visit Hot Springs 

 

The Tourism Attraction of the Year: to recognize the contribution of local attractions to drawing in visitors. 

 

Hot Springs National Park 

Siloam Springs Memorial Park 

White River Wonderland 

 

The Rising Star Award: to be presented to a young tourism professional that has demonstrated leadership and commitment to the industry. 

 

Seth Eli Barlow 

Sarah and Paul Heer 

Brannon Pack 

 

The Tourism Region of the Year: voted on by the Arkansas tourism industry and registered conference attendees, this will be presented to one of Arkansas’ 12 regional tourist associations. 

 

Northwest Arkansas Tourism Association 

Diamond Lakes Travel Association 

Ozark Mountain Region 

 

The Tourism Person of the Year will also be announced during the award ceremony. The Tourism Hall of Fame Award will be presented the previous day of the conference. The 2022 inductees are Louis Cella and Bill Ott. 

 

For more information about Arkansas Tourism or the Excellence Arkansas Tourism Awards click here

 

 

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