Arkansas Tourism and North Little Rock Tourism Internet hosting Travel Writers; Heather Baker to Keynote

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More than 40 journey writers from throughout America are anticipated to attend the 2026 North American Travel Journalist Association (NATJA) Conference and Marketplace. Hosted by North Little Rock Tourism and Arkansas Tourism from May 12 to fifteen, the occasion will expose attendees to factors of curiosity in Little Rock and North Little Rock highlighting nice meals, excursions and leisure choices available domestically.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for us, as a destination marketing organization, to have a lot of journalists come into our destination,” mentioned Everett Gaither, vp of promoting and communications for North Little Rock Tourism. “It is especially important to bring them to this area so that they can find something about North Little Rock and about this area that is appealing to their readers.

“It’s a group of really reputable writers who work all over the country. Being able to have such a direct connection with them and get them in for this conference, I think, is a great opportunity and hopefully we see a lot of coverage and stories and ultimately travel into the city from it.”

Heather Baker, president and writer of AY Media Group and a 30-year veteran of Arkansas media, will ship the keynote handle. Through her storytelling Baker will share a local’s insights on central Arkansas, talk about the expansion of tourism in North Little Rock and element the momentum the town has loved typically.

“The investment and promotion playbook North Little Rock has followed in recent years is a shining example for the rest of Arkansas on how to enhance and promote your community,” Baker mentioned. “From live music and great food to breweries, baseball and community events, North Little Rock has shown a pride of place that is the envy of the state.

“My friends at North Little Rock Tourism are setting the pace and this event will bring that story to travel writers from all over North America, further getting the word out. I am honored to be part of this effort, just as AY Media Group has been throughout its history. As anyone who reads AY About You and Arkansas Money & Politics knows, AY Media Group is all about promoting Arkansas.”

In addition to audio system and panel discussions from inside their business, attendees will probably be handled to a curated Little Rock tour on Wednesday, May 13. Stops embody Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, ESSE Purse Museum, Clinton Presidential Center and Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.

On Thursday, attendees have their selection of excursions together with kayaking the Arkansas River, mountain climbing, an artwork expertise together with guided watercolor portray on the Old Mill or a hands-on agricultural expertise at Faulkner Lake Orchard.

Local bars, eating places and occasion venues spotlighted on the conference itinerary embody Edgemont House, Four Quarter Bar, Funky Stretch Pizza, Draft + Table, Brood and Barley, Capeo Ristorante, Flyway Brewing and Crush Wine Bar.

“The journalists are also welcome to come before or stay after the convention,” Gaither mentioned. “We’re partnering with Arkansas Tourism to do some pre- or post-event familiarization trips to places such as Hot Springs and other places around the state.”

This is the primary time the annual conference has been held in North Little Rock and is without doubt one of the first nationwide occasions to be held on the brand-new North Little Rock Event Center, which held its grand opening in March.

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