RISON - Arkansas tourism officials have released the highly anticipated numbers for 2025, revealing a strong picture of the state's travel economy.
More visitors than ever are flocking to The Natural State, including the Arkansas Land of Legends Travel Association, which includes Cleveland Grant, Jefferson and Lincoln Counties.
Statewide visitors increased by 4.4 percent, growing from 52.0 million visitors in 2024 to a record-breaking 54.3 million in 2025.
The Arkansas Land of Legends —known for its rich heritage and cultural offerings—mirrored the state's trend seeing visitors spend $181.4 million in 2025. This spending equates to $10.8 million in state tax revenue, and $4.2 million in local tax revenue.
Zooming in on Cleveland County, the local tourism economy remains a small but stable contributor to the travel region's overall footprint seeing $3.5 million in visitor spending in 2025.
This value equates to $0.1 million in local taxes for the county.
Special events, such as the Rison in the Fall Festival, contribute to the influx of visitor traffic to the county.
The Arkansas Land of Legends also directly represents Cleveland County with its board of directors. During the association’s July meeting, Douglas Boultinghouse and Sheri Storie, both residents of the county, were selected as president and vice president.
Boultinghouse will serve as president of the board. He additionally serves as the executive director of the Rison in the Fall Festival, and the secretary/treasurer of both Rison Shine Community Development, Inc., and its affiliated organization Kickstart Cleveland County Community Development, Inc. He is employed as the advertising/circulation manager and graphic designer at the Cleveland County Herald.
Storie serves as vice president of the board and chairman of the advertising committee. She also represents Jefferson County as an employee of the Explore Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission.
Joy Blankenship of Pine Bluff serves as the association's executive director and treasurer.
“Land of Legends is our name, but YOUR adventures shape us,” says the association in its mission statement. “Create your own legendary experience kayaking the longest bayou in the world, hiking or biking our nature trails or by simply exploring our special places. With an abundance of ways to enjoy the great outdoors, there’s never been a better time to head to southeast Arkansas for sun and fun. Add in history, arts, culture and casino gaming, our region may become your new happy place.”
More information, including digital travel guides are available at www.arlandoflegends.com
Printed copies of the guide are available locally at the Cleveland County Herald office, Rison City Hall and the Cleveland County Courthouse.