Join Jaclyn House’s conversation with Dalaney Thomas, Director of Tourism with the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, as she spotlights what sets the state apart. From unmatched outdoor recreation and trail access to cultural amenities like southern cuisine, hospitality, and art, Dalaney provides insider tips to maximize your Arkansas vacation. Tune in to learn why the Natural State is an accessible, vibrant destination for travelers of all ages and interests.
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Join Jaclyn House’s conversation with Dalaney Thomas, Director of Tourism with the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, as she spotlights what sets the state apart. From unmatched outdoor recreation and trail access to cultural amenities like southern cuisine, hospitality, and art, Dalaney provides insider tips to maximize your Arkansas vacation. Tune in to learn why the Natural State is an accessible, vibrant destination for travelers of all ages and interests.
You can listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, CastBox, Podcast Casts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Podcast Addict.
Don't forget, Visit Bentonville is here to assist you in finding things to do, where to eat and stay, and find out what's going on in the city. Visit our website visitbentonville.com and subscribe to our enewsletter here.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Jaclyn House: 0:10
Welcome to a new American Town, a podcast proudly presented by Visit Bentonville. I am your host, Jaclyn House, broadcasting from Haxton Road Studios near the Bentonville Square. Join us as we share captivating stories and updates from our cities, connecting you and locals that make the town worth visiting. And speaking of visiting, we've got a great guest with us today. Dalaney Thomas is the director of tourism for the Arkansas Department of Parks, heritage and Tourism, because when we talk about Bentonville, of course it is in the natural state of Arkansas, and so we're going to talk a lot about what makes Arkansas such a great place to visit. Dalaney, thanks for joining us today.
Dalaney Thomas: 0:53
Thank you for having me.
Jaclyn House: 0:54
I'm happy to be here. Let's talk about a recent study from 2022 that stated it was a groundbreaking year for tourism, for the state of Arkansas and the economy. So you know, as we're looking at this year in 2024, that trajectory, on that same path, if we can impact that a little bit. What are the key findings from that report?
Dalaney Thomas: 1:17
Yeah, absolutely Well, it is a great time in the industry, the tourism industry here in Arkansas. Tourism is Arkansas's second largest industry, behind agriculture, so it's a strong component of the economy here in Arkansas and, as you've alluded to, in 2022, we had record breaking numbers. Arkansas saw 48.3 million visitors during that year and those visitors spent $9.2 billion just within the travel and tourism industry, which, as you can imagine, is a great feeder into everything that we are able to offer here to our visitors.
Jaclyn House: 1:52
Yeah, absolutely. Let's talk about your role as director of tourism, which sounds like an awesome job, right? Because you are helping attract those visitors here to the natural state. Why do you think Arkansas is such a great destination?
Dalaney Thomas: 2:07
Well, you're right, it is a great job and, especially being a lifelong Arkansan, I couldn't think of a better way to spend my day than showcasing all that it is that we have to offer. But I believe we at ADPHD, the Department of Parks, heritage and Tourism believe that Arkansas is a great destination just because of the combination of activities, amenities, and what we offer here. Of course I know we'll talk about our natural state outdoor recreation product. It's premier, it's unmatched and we're very proud of that product that we offer here. But along with that, you know, we've got the amenities of good food, soul food, food that comes from great people, art, of course, Bentonville being a fantastic destination for art, and we really just wrapped that all up with the hospitality that the South is known for and put that all together and you've got a fantastic destination in the state of Arkansas.
Jaclyn House: 3:00
Yeah, and we were talking about food. Shout out to the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame. That's right, yes, you can make your nominations yeah, make your nominations for the Hall of Fame. Yes, I love talking to the team behind that because I mean there is. You realize there's so much more of Arkansas to explore. I'm not native to the state but I've been living here for a very long time, so I do consider myself in Arkansas. But you know, when I'm talking to the Department man, I realize I really need to get out and explore our state because there are so many hidden treasures here in Arkansas.
Dalaney Thomas: 3:38
That's right. And shout out to Bentonville, to James Beard, finalists this year on the list from Bentonville, so that's again adding to our product here and what we offer our visitors.
Jaclyn House: 3:48
Yeah, absolutely. Let's talk about outdoor recreation you mentioned. It is unmatched here in the state of Arkansas. Let's give us a rundown of some of those amenities.
Dalaney Thomas: 3:58
Great Well. We are the natural state, and that is for good reason, with over or about 900,000 miles of streams and rivers, 600,000 acres of lakes, and I won't even begin to try and count the number of trails, because it grows daily that that's being developed here in our state. And we have an abundance of geographic offerings too. When you think about everything from the Ozark Mountains, the Ouachita mountains, the Arkansas Delta, it's really a diverse offering that leads to not only a diverse experience for our visitors and our travelers, but it's a draw for businesses to come and to contribute to our outdoor economy, which is thriving here in Arkansas.
Jaclyn House: 4:38
Yeah, we did a previous podcast talking about the eclipse and there are so many people excited about it, of course here in Bentonville, but just throughout the state as well. I know there's so much excitement and, of course, because it's a natural crisis happening outside, I can imagine the state is gearing up for all that. Outdoor recreation.
Dalaney Thomas: 4:58
Yes, absolutely. No better place to take in a wonder like the eclipse than in nature and we really look at it as an opportunity to maybe get some visitors who haven't been here before and then make repeat visitors out of those individuals. So great opportunity for our state.
Jaclyn House: 5:15
Yeah, absolutely, and because we're down here in the south, you know it does get a little cool, but our springs and summers, of course, are beautiful, and so maybe for someone who is new to outdoor recreation, do you have any advice, maybe, on where they should start?
Dalaney Thomas: 5:31
Absolutely Well Arkansas. I think there's a few things that make it a unique destination for the outdoors, one being our access, not only in terms of how to get to trolls and how to get to rivers, but we really are fortunate that for about 365 days a year you can be in the outdoors in Arkansas, whereas in some states like Colorado and Utah they're under snow for quite a bit of time, so they can't ride their trails. So that's really unique and we can talk more about that, but that's a unique opportunity that our state has and that we want to capitalize on. I think we're also really focused on conscious design of our outdoor spaces that allow for all skill levels to get out and to enjoy the outdoors here. So our trails, specifically our mountain biking trails those are built in a way that would allow for a novice to ride the same trail, potentially as a really skilled rider, and Create different jumps and different experiences for all of those levels. I also, you know, like to point to the fact that in Arkansas You're always pretty close to the outdoor product in an urban amenity, so if you're new to outdoor recreating, you don't have to commit and go full-wild and be out and away and in the wilderness for days on end. You can go out, enjoy that experience and then go back to your hotel or wherever you're lodging and have a great meal and be able to just kind of take it in stride and not have to commit too much upfront.
Jaclyn House: 6:55
Yeah, and that's great that you mentioned that, because I Don't get outdoors a lot Recreationally but I follow several content creators who really love showing off Arkansas and a lot of times I find myself looking like that's in Arkansas. So, again, finding myself like I really need to explore the beauty of our state. And I also love how you said you know you don't necessarily have to go super far out and feel like you're stuck. There are so many Places you can go and be and still kind of have that connection to that city life, especially if you're new. So I love that and that's great for people to know and understand too. It's, you know, yes, it's Arkansas, yes it's the South, but you will be very surprised at, kind of, some of the urban amenities that we have here. Absolutely let's. Let's do some Bentonville ties. Cheryl Lee, we talk about tourism because you did talk about trails and, of course, the trail system up here in Bentonville unmatched. What are some recommendations you have for people touring here in Bentonville?
Dalaney Thomas: 7:57
Well, a couple of my favorite things about Bentonville. You mentioned the trails. Bentonville is a prime example of how trail culture is really embedded in every aspect of the community. That's really what has led to a lot of the businesses that have been attracted to the area. I love when I'm up in Bentonville and I see kids riding their bikes to school, you know, and their parents are riding their bikes with them, or those that are working in Bentonville. They get out and they ride with their co-workers. So just seeing how Bentonville has been able to adopt that culture has been really fascinating over the past 10, however many years. Of course, you can't talk about Bentonville without talking about art. The convergence of art in the outdoors is something really special. That, I think, is something that Bentonville has that many other metros in the United States can't even tout. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, of course, is one of our top attractions for the entire state, where we see visitors coming from all over, not just the United States but the world. That's something that's very special that we're proud to have here.
Jaclyn House: 9:01
Yeah, absolutely, and you just talked about a lot of those key offerings here in Bentonville in your role as director of tourism. Do you see, is there a trend when people are coming from Arkansas? Is there a trend of where they're coming from?
Dalaney Thomas: 9:19
There has been a trend, but we're kind of starting to see that turn a little bit and that's because we are beginning to fine-tune our marketing and expand our reach more than we ever have from the state level. So traditionally you would anticipate to see kind of your drive states, your touch states that would be coming here primarily. But in the previous year Arkansas Tourism added 14 new states to our marketing plan, which has allowed us to expand our reach into Colorado, utah, arizona, new Mexico, north Carolina, just some areas where outdoor recreating is very popular, and we feel confidently that we can compete in those types of environments. Chicago I think you're a native from Chicago, is that correct? That's right. That's a market that's been popping up for us. I'm glad you claim Arkansas now, though I am glad you claim your stuff, but Chicago has really been standing out for us. Again, I think the combination of that urban to outdoor product. And then one of my favorite things about Bentonville that I heard recently someone said from a key differentiation standpoint, bentonville is special Northwest Arkansas really because you can arrive at XNA, you can unpack your back or your backpack, your bike that you flew in with and you can immediately be on a trail. There are very few places, if any, in the world where you can say that I was talking to someone from the Colorado Boulder area and they were just bragging on Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas and how the access to trails is just insane and something that cyclists are really attracted to. So we love to see those types of feel good stories popping up that make our destination stronger.
Jaclyn House: 11:03
Yeah, absolutely, and I love that. You mentioned being able to tie into some of those other states and their tourism. How does that relationship work?
Dalaney Thomas: 11:12
We have a very great relationship specifically with the Southern states that border us. I have contact with tourism directors and other states. There are oftentimes, specifically with international marketing, where we would market ourselves together. But I think it just speaks to Arkansas really being proud of the product we have more than ever and not being afraid to market big, market bold and attract new visitors that we haven't tried to attract in the past.
Jaclyn House: 11:42
Sure. So I'm going to throw a question at you that we didn't send over previously. Are you ready?
Dalaney Thomas: 11:49
I'm ready.
Jaclyn House: 11:49
Okay, so now it's winter. What is the? What would you recommend somebody visiting Arkansas in the winter time that they do?
Dalaney Thomas: 12:02
Well, I love this question. I know I've talked about Colorado. If you can't tell Colorado, we're coming for your outdoor product, but we have a campaign right now running in the Denver market called direct to different, and that showcases being covered in snow. You can get on a direct flight and next thing you know you're out on the trails in Arkansas. You're experiencing all that we have to offer. So I think the answer to your question is it depends on where that traveler is coming from. If it's someone from a colder climate who's been on their snowboard and they're ready to get on their bike, that would be my recommendation to them. If you're a little bit more soft, adventure right now is, of course, a great time to. You mentioned the food hall of fame. Hit some of our local restaurants. Get out in our museums. There have been two new museums opened in the past year in the state of Arkansas, so there's no shortage of things to do during the winter here.
Jaclyn House: 12:54
Yeah, what about spring summer?
Dalaney Thomas: 12:57
Oh, spring, summer, definitely water recreating. That would be one of my personal favorite activities and then favorite to recommend. I mentioned our access to lakes and streams and rivers, and there's no better time than the spring and summer to do that. And if you don't necessarily want to get out and commit to a full day on the water, you can always check out a waterfall too.
Jaclyn House: 13:19
And then what about for fall?
Dalaney Thomas: 13:22
Fall, we see a lot of people who come through to try and catch some fall foliage. I'm trying to see the leaves, of course. Then we also have a lot of great hunting and fishing. That happens during the fall here and then it's a great time for festivals and events in Arkansas, whether that's a food festival or something a little more quirky like the goat festival. There's a lot of great activities you can get out and participate in during the fall.
Jaclyn House: 13:47
Yeah, nice, See. You just gave people just a year round robust list of things that they can do as they come visit us here in the natural state. In your position, I imagine that you get to brag about Arkansas all the time. Is there something that makes you so proud of being able to represent our state?
Dalaney Thomas: 14:09
I think it's that we have a hospitality and tourism industry that is committed to growth and making Arkansas better. I think more than ever we are looking at what a tourism product is and how to work together as a tourism industry to really be supportive and see that boom and growth. And in visitation I also feel really proud to say whenever we get a visitor here they are more than likely going to be a repeat visitor. We just say if you get him here, they fall in love, whether that's from the beauty they take in the people they meet. Arkansas is just a special, special place that we're very lucky to call home.
Jaclyn House: 14:50
Yeah, that's actually how I ended up staying here is, you know, I spent some time at the U of A and then I stepped away for a little bit, but I was still here in the area, in the community and I built a community here in Northwest Arkansas and it was really, really hard to leave. I always tell people my mom was like you just went to Arkansas, you never came home, you never came back, you just stayed in Arkansas. And it's because the hospitality, the family and then also just being able to see the spaces around me grow. So being here as long as I have, it's just been amazing just to see all the growth that we've had here in Northwest Arkansas, but I can imagine just the growth that the state has had as well. So that's one of the things that I like is, yes, I moved to Arkansas, never left, and now Arkansas stuck with me. I love that. I love to hear that. Dalaney, thanks so much for visiting with us today. We appreciate you.
Dalaney Thomas: 15:49
Absolutely Thank you, and if anyone out there is looking to plan their trip, tell them to go to Arkansas.com and they can find all they need from a travel resource standpoint.
Jaclyn House: 15:58
Yes, absolutely Plan your visit to Arkansas to take advantage of all the wonderful amenities that Dalaney mentioned. Don't forget, visit Bentonville is here to assist you as you navigate things to do, where to eat and stay and what's going on in the city. Give us a follow on social media and check out our website, visitBentonville.com. Thanks for listening.