by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas tourism is now a $9.9 billion industry, and an estimated 50.7 million people visiting the state in 2023, up 17.1% compared with 2022 visitors, according to an economic impact study commissioned by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

The study, announced Thursday (Oct. 17), was conducted by Tourism Economics with input from DK Shifflet.

Arkansas State Parks recorded 8.4 million visitors in 2023, and 4.3 million people visited National Park Service sites in the state. The new visitors spent an additional $700 million, pushing the industry to the verge of becoming a $10 billion industry and solidifying its position as Arkansas’ second largest economic driver, according to the report.

Report: Arkansas tourism industry adds $9.9 billion to state economy