Fayetteville visitors bureau becomes first in state to join gay and lesbian tourism group

A mural by local artist Jason Jones was completed on the west wall of the Executive Square building at the Fayetteville Town Center plaza in 2015. It was commissioned by the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission, which oversees Experience Fayetteville, the city’s tourism bureau.

Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

Experience Fayetteville, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, has joined the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, an organization that provides free travel resources and information for the LGBTQ community while working to promote equality and safety within LGBTQ tourism.

The Clinton House Museum, operated by Experience Fayetteville, also joined the organization. They are the first groups in Arkansas to become members of the IGLTA.

The organization’s members promote LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, transportation, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in over 75 countries.

A 2016 report from Travel Industry Wire found that the global value of LGBTQ consumer spending to be worth over $211 billion annually.

“Fayetteville is an inclusive city that is proud of its diverse culture,” said Molly Rawn, executive director of Experience Fayetteville. “We welcome all guests to experience what we offer here.”

Fayetteville is home to the NWA Pride Parade and Festival, presented by Northwest Arkansas Equality. The event is the largest pride parade and festival in Arkansas, and will celebrate its 12th year with daily events from June 14-17, 2018.