Tourism had an economic impact of roughly $23 million for Fayetteville in 2025, according to the city’s official destination marketing organization.
Experience Fayetteville recently released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting visitor spending at local restaurants, retail shops, attractions and more. The report indicates that tourism, events and community programming continue to strengthen the local economy and quality of life.
The report outlines a year of momentum for the city with strong visitor demand, major national events and continued investment in community programs, according to a press release from the group.
“Tourism supports the businesses, events and amenities that make Fayetteville such a special place for the people who live here,” said Ryan Hauck, CEO of Experience Fayetteville. “Our goal is to ensure that the growth we see strengthens the community and enhances everyday life for residents.”
In 2025, tourism activity helped generate more than 38,000 hotel room nights in Fayetteville. Meanwhile, the Fayetteville Town Center also played a significant role, hosting 441 events last year, including 135 nonprofit gatherings ranging from local fundraisers and civic meetings to regional conferences.
The city’s new Destination Master Plan outlines a long-term strategy to guide tourism growth while protecting Fayetteville’s character, outdoor assets and cultural identity. Programs such as Fayetteville Restaurant Week, Fayetteville Ale Trail and the Fayetteville Bikepacking Route Network helped highlight the city’s trails, restaurants and local businesses, assets residents enjoy year-round, the report indicated.
Looking ahead to 2026, Fayetteville is preparing to host new events and expand community programming, including international soccer matches at Razorback Stadium and the return of the Cyclocross National Championships.
“As Fayetteville grows, we remain committed to making sure tourism works for our residents,” Hauck said. “Everything we do is designed to support local businesses, create memorable experiences, and preserve what makes Fayetteville unique.”
The full 2025 Experience Fayetteville Impact Report is available at www.experiencefayetteville.
Feature image: Cyclocross National Championships return to Fayetteville in 2026 (file photo)
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