by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas’ 2% tourism tax revenue between January and December was $25.446 million, up 5.8% compared with the $24.049 million in 2022. Revenue in each month of 2023 set a new record, with those gains compared to record numbers in 2022.

The 2% revenue was boosted in part by 13.7% and 8% year-over-year gains, respectively, in Benton and Pulaski counties.

A record for monthly 2% collections was set in June 2023 with $2.71 million. The state’s 2% tourism tax revenue fell almost 23% in 2020, and fell to levels not seen since 2014. Also, the 2023 2% revenue is up 50% compared with the $12.716 million in 2013.

Arkansas Tourism Ticker: 2% tourism tax revenue sets a new record in 2023