Wilkins Woman Wins Digital Camera in Arkansas Welcome Center Survey Drawing

By Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism

First posted on 12-18-2007

An Elkins woman and a Shawnee, Kan., man have won the latest prizes in the Arkansas Welcome Center survey drawing.

When people contact the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism for vacation or relocation information, the tourism department sends a follow-up survey to find out if they received the literature in a timely manner and how they used the information. Those who return the survey are entered into a drawing.

“We survey twice a year in the spring and the fall,” said Joanne Hinson, manager of research and information services. “As a reward for people being willing to fill out the survey we offer prizes.”

In the most recent random drawing, Monica Whitaker of Elkins won a digital camera. Steve Hatesohl of Kansas won a package of sample products from Petit Jean Meats. Whitaker said she asked for travel information to find out about camping opportunities, but also requested information for her uncle from Wisconsin who is considering moving to Arkansas.

“We really do read their responses and"It’s important for people to respond because it helps us better provide the information they are looking for.”

The main component people request is the Arkansas Vacation Kit, which contains an Arkansas Tour Guide, full of information on attractions, golf, the arts, entertainment, antiquing, history and heritage, and family fun; the State Parks Guide; a Highway Map; Calendar of Events; and an Arkansas Adventure Guide. The Adventure Guide has information on hiking trails, campgrounds, float streams and outfitters, and wilderness areas.

Additional information can be requested, such as the Living in Arkansas Guide. This handy guide contains a wealth of information for people considering relocating to or retiring in Arkansas, including the state’s cost-of-living, taxes, car licenses, real estate, communities, military and medical facilities, and more.

The Arkansas Fishing Guide provides information on locations, vacations and resources for fishing in The Natural State, including a map of fishable waters.

The tourism department has numerous specialty brochures about individual attractions, regions of the state, parks, and other resources like The Natural State Golf Trail and Holiday Trail of Lights.

This free information can be ordered on the state’s official tourism Web site, http://www.Arkansas.com or by phoning 800-872-1259.

Literature can also be picked up at any of the 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers located throughout the state. Hinson said Welcome Centers provide a more personalized level of service because in addition to brochures, knowledgeable staff is available to answer questions and give directions. “They are staffed by people that can help them plan their individual itinerary and are highly knowledgeable about attractions in the state,” Hinson said. Year-to-date for 2007, the 14 Welcome Centers have served 827,462 people.

The state is working to upgrade its facilities. There are four new centers, located at Corning, El Dorado, Van Buren/Fort Smith, Texarkana, with one under construction in Blytheville and construction expected to begin in February on one at Lake Village.

The new centers have a fireplace with rocking chairs, free coffee, exhibits about things of local interest, computer kiosks, and hundreds of brochures about attractions, restaurants, lodging and events.

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