Arkansas Global Marketing

Arkansas Research & Knowledge Hub

Research News and Updates

New Travel South USA Trade Dashboard

Travel South USA is preparing to launch an all-new Global Trade Dashboard on November 1, giving partners enhanced access to international trade intelligence across our Global Network Program markets.

Get an early look at what’s coming by watching this sneak peek presentation, featuring a preview of the new platform, its capabilities, and how partners can use the dashboard to better understand the international travel trade landscape.

Click to review the Meeting

Monthly Global Reports

The September Global Network Reports have been completed and added to your Research Hub.

September 2026 Global Market Highlights Include:

International Showcase in Nashville: six Canadian buyers confirmed (Toundra Voyages, Voyages Gendron, Goway, CAA Saskatchewan, Kensington Tours, Alberta Motorcoach Association), plus Travel Market Report and Travelweek
Canadian operators report experience-led Southern packages built around music, sports, festivals and food are outselling destination-only product
Nine trade meetings, including Trafalgar, Kensington Tours, CAA Niagara and TravelBrands, open new Southern itinerary and advisor webinar opportunities
“Taste the South” pavilion planned for Toronto’s T.O. Food & Drink Fest (April 2–4, 2027), with partner buy-in now open
Travel South confirmed for the Discover America Canada Media Day in Toronto (October 28)
Outdoor, concert and off-the-beaten-path media leads (Explore Media, Debbie Olsen, Lucas Aykroyd) being vetted for GMM 2027
Local Talent Spotlight social series invites partners to submit chefs, musicians and guides for bi-weekly features

Quarterly Reports

The 4th quarter UK / Ireland Reports have been completed and added to your Research Hub.

Arkansas maintained strong UK and Ireland trade momentum in Q2 2026, engaging over 20 trade partners at IPW 2026 in Fort Lauderdale — including Southall Travel, Expedia, Wanderlust, and Discover North America — alongside key appearances at the Visit USA Media Marketplace and Summer Affair in London.

Product growth continued steadily, with 20 operators now featuring Arkansas (up from 19) and room nights up 4.6% year-over-year, driven by the new American Heartland & Music Legends itinerary replacing the retired Music & Outlaws tour.

Digital performance was strong across channels: Hablo gained 889 new followers, and Visit USA UK’s “Ideas” content — led by a U.S. Marshals Museum feature — performed best. The UK remains the U.S.’s #1 overseas market, up 1% even as total arrivals softened, with higher per-visitor spending offsetting volume declines. Favorable exchange rates and growing interest in dark sky tourism, slow travel, and self-drive itineraries continue to support Arkansas’s positioning as a road-trip-friendly Southern gateway destination.

Global Partner Programs

Canada

Travel South USA’s Canada program built strong momentum in September, with media coverage generating nearly 6.7 million impressions and newsletters returning to trade and consumer media audiences.

Canada Overview

UK and Ireland

Arkansas’s UK/Ireland representation delivered a high-value second quarter, anchored by extensive trade engagement at IPW 2026 and continued steady growth in operator adoption. Room nights rose 4.6% year-over-year, and the state’s product mix shifted from expansion to renewal, with a refreshed multi-state itinerary replacing an older tour. Digital channels showed strong traction, with Hablo and Visit USA UK both posting solid engagement numbers.

View the Report

Marketing Campaigns and Out of Scope Projects

Campaign Updates and Reports

Access campaign updates and final reports for projects funded through the Global Innovation Challenge, as well as approved out-of-scope initiatives. These reports highlight progress, results, and learnings that support innovation and collaboration across the South.

View Reports

Arkansas Global Resources