The Natural State Initiative Economic Opportunity Zones were established in 2023 to encourage investment and enhance the visitor experience in four Arkansas State Parks. In addition to the creation of these zones, the Arkansas Tourism Development Incentive Program was amended to establish higher sales and income tax credits to businesses opening or expanding in these zones.
The four zones:
1. The area located within the boundaries of Pinnacle Mountain State Park, plus the area extending one-eighth (1/8th) of a mile immediately adjacent to the outside boundary of the park.
2. The area located within the boundaries of Petit Jean State Park, plus the area extending one-eighth (1/8th) of a mile immediately adjacent to the outside boundary of the park.
3. The area located within the boundaries of Delta Heritage Trail State Park, plus the area extending one-eighth (1/8th) of a mile immediately adjacent to the outside boundary of the park.
4. The area located within the boundaries of Queen Wilhelmina State Park, plus the area extending one-eighth (1/8th) of a mile immediately adjacent to the outside boundary of the park.
Arkansas Tourism Development Incentive Program
To encourage growth in Arkansas’ outdoor recreation and tourism industries, the Tourism Development Incentive Program was created. To stimulate expansion of these industries, economic incentives are offered to qualified private development projects in the form of sales and income tax credits. Since the intent, in part, is to generate additional tourist traffic to Arkansas, each proposed project must develop a marketing plan that targets at least 25% of its visitors from out of state, meet other requirements, and submit a completed application prior to incurring any project costs.
Sales tax credits shall be determined in accordance with the following criteria:
Income tax credits shall be determined in accordance with the following criteria:
Eligible projects may qualify for incentive programs, such as the Tourism Development Incentive Program below. For more information, contact Katherine Andrews with the Office of Outdoor Recreation at 501-682-6829.
Concessionaire opportunities within Arkansas State parks provide private businesses the chance to offer a variety of goods and services to park visitors, enhancing the overall park experience. Private partners offer the ability of state parks to broaden and enhance the potential offerings within the parks. This not only benefits the parks themselves, but also the communities surrounding the parks in quality services that better the park experience and quality of life.
Active State Park Opportunities Not Currently Open for Proposals