LRCVB Celebrates the People Behind Travel and Tourism

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 6, 2026) —The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) is proud to recognize the people who power one of the city’s most vital industries during National Travel and Tourism Week, May 3-9, 2026.

From hotel teams and restaurant staff to event planners and attraction workers, tourism in Little Rock is built by essential people who create the experiences visitors carry with them long after they leave. That impact extends beyond hospitality, supporting local businesses and contributing to the city’s continued growth.

Travel and tourism remain a key economic driver for Arkansas’ capital city, generating significant visitor spending, supporting thousands of jobs, and contributing to tax revenue that benefits residents across the community. Last year alone, the industry generated more than $2.19 billion in visitor spending and supported 12,213 jobs. (Source: 2024 Arkansas Tourism Economic Impact Report)

“National Travel & Tourism Week is a time to recognize the people who bring our city to life,” said LRCVB President & CEO Gina Gemberling. “The experience of Little Rock is shaped by those who welcome, guide, and serve visitors every day. Their work reflects the pride we have in our community and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits.”

As the city’s official destination marketing organization, the LRCVB works to promote Little Rock as a destination for meetings, conventions, and leisure travel while supporting the local businesses and partners that make those experiences possible. Guided by a 10-year Tourism Master Plan, the Bureau works alongside industry partners and community stakeholders to strengthen Little Rock’s visitor economy and overall quality of life.

This week, the Bureau is placing a spotlight on individuals across the industry helping move Little Rock forward as a premier destination.

Tourism in Little Rock is a shared effort that strengthens the community, supports opportunity, and showcases what makes the city easy to love. That work continues to drive progress, investment, and a stronger future for the city and those who call it home.

For more information about the LRCVB and its work, visit LittleRock.com. For the LRCVB’s 2025 annual report and 10-year tourism master plan, click here.

ABOUT THE LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 
The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Little Rock, charged with promoting the city for convention and leisure travel. The LRCVB also operates the Statehouse Convention Center, Robinson Center, Cromwell Building, River Market (Ottenheimer Hall, First Security Amphitheater, outdoor pavilions), and multiple parking facilities and surface lots. The LRCVB is primarily funded by a lodging and prepared food tax. The organization is divided into four primary divisions: Finance & Administration, Sales & Services, Marketing & Communications, and Operations.

ABOUT NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK
Established in 1983, National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual tradition to celebrate the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org/NTTW.