About the Harrison, Arkansas CVB

Mission: It is our mission to increase the quality of life for the citizens of Harrison through economic development stemming from increased tourism to and through Harrison, Arkansas.

As the Destination Marketing Organization for the City of Harrison, AR the mission of the Harrison Convention & Visitors Bureau is to serve visitors, meeting planners, and sports attendees who come to Harrison Arkansas for business and pleasure.  The Harrison Convention & Visitors Bureau is the economic development arm of the city of Harrison focusing on tourism development.  The Harrison CVB develops the tourism economy by showcasing our community to tourists who will enjoy our many attractions, motorcycling opportunities and outdoor activities.  Besides general tourism marketing and promotion, the Harrison CVB works diligently to attract meetings and conventions to Harrison as well as sporting events who will use our many fabulous sports facilities.

The Harrison, AR Convention & Visitors Bureau staff assists with vacation and event planning - including accommodations, meetings, sporting events, tours and other activities. We can distribute Requests for Proposal, arrange site visits, identify locations for offsite activities, and provide brochures and digital photos. With our knowledge of the region, we'll ensure you have a wonderful time in Harrison.

What is a CVB?

What is a Convention & Visitors Bureau and what is its role? Convention and Visitors Bureaus are also called Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO's). They act as the community, county or local authority leader in tourism marketing and tourism project development.  The CVB acts as your one stop shop for all things related to tourism.

A bureau's primary mission is frequently to market cities, towns, counties and/or regions to potential visitors. Furthermore, they provide local visitor/event planning services, and act as a catalyst and/or builder in ensuring the development of appropriate attractions, facilities, services, and infrastructure needed to provide destination experiences.

The CVB is:

An umbrella organization that solicits and services all types of travelers.
Essentially an information clearinghouse, convention management consultant and promotional body for the community.
Also a coordinating entity that brings together the interests of local government, trade and civic associations, and individual travel suppliers to build outside visitor traffic to an area.

The foremost activity and goal for a CVB is to be the tourism economic development agent that assists in increasing an area's income and employment and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

What is a tourist? The definition of a tourist is a temporary visitor staying at least twenty-four hours in the community visited for a purpose classified as either holiday (recreation, leisure, sport and visit to family, friends or relatives), business, official mission, convention, or health reasons. A further definition of a tourist is someone who stays in your community and spends dollars to economically impact the community.

Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVB's) are the most important link between local businesses and visitors to an area. Every time you see tourists shopping and sightseeing, a motorcoach parked at an area attraction, a competitive sporting event taking place or a convention group staying at a local hotel, chances are the CVB has been behind the scenes helping to make it happen and working to make their visit a memorable experience.

The Harrison CVB would like to extend a warm welcome to you on your visit to our area.  Please contact us for information and assistance in planning your trip to the Ozark Mountains and the Buffalo National River region.  The CVB is here to serve you!

City Advertising & Tourism Promotion Commission (CATPC)

The Harrison AR CVB is overseen by a seven person commission called the CATPC (City Advertising & Tourism Promotion Commission).  The role of the commission is to set policy for the organization, oversee the Executive Director and to develop long range goals and objectives for Harrison's tourism development.  The commission is made up of four tourism industry positions from lodging, restaurant or attraction businesses, two positions from the Harrison City Council and one at-large position from the community.  The commissioners are:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - Chairman
McDonald's Restaurant

Jim Stockton- Vice Chairman
North Arkansas College

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - Owner

Petromark Inc.- White Oak Stations

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Harrison City Councilman

Joe Crockett
Harrison City Councilman

Phillip Wood
Wood Development- representing Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Quality Inn

Thomas Honer
Western Sizzlin Restaurant