Spread throughout the state at strategic locations, Arkansas Welcome Centers help introduce travelers to the Natural State. After closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the centers are now reopening.
The welcome centers closed on March 20, along with multiple other facilities overseen by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. In total, there are 14 welcome centers. In addition, the department closed the Division of Arkansas Heritage’s Little Rock museums and limited many services, which have been gradually restored as state restrictions have been lifted.
“Arkansas is one of the nation’s most beautiful and inviting destinations,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said in a statement. “Arkansas Welcome Centers offer our guests a friendly entry to The Natural State, as well as a rest and information stop to gather travel planning materials and advice.”
As part of the opening, welcome center staff are reportedly observing social distancing and sanitization measures. According to an Arkansas Tourism news release, staff will be limiting the number of individuals inside buildings, frequently cleaning high-traffic areas and requiring the use of face masks when social distancing is not possible.
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