HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – As vaccinations go up and mandates lifted, the world goes back to normal and that includes travel.

Hot Springs is the number one tourist destination in the state and after a rough 2020, the city is already experiencing a boom.

Shoes hit the sidewalk and shoppers hit the shops in downtown Hot Springs.


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“Everyone was ready for new clothes and to get out of there,” said Renee Tompkins, boutique owner.

Tompkins has two boutiques on Central Avenue and looks back on that time last year.

From empty streets in 2020 to overcrowded sidewalks in 2021, she said business was not only back but better than ever.

“We run three times as much as normal,” said Tompkins.

It’s not just their businesses that are seeing an increase in spending.

“Hot Springs is off,” said Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs.

March set a new record for sales tax revenue, according to Arrison, and April is up 130% year over year.

“Things have gone crazy,” said Arrison.

He doesn’t think it’s going to slow down anytime soon.


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“We believe it will be the biggest summer for Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas,” said Arrison.

For Tompkins, she’s just happy to see faces new and old walk through the door.

“I feel like I’m on the other side. I have a feeling we’ll be fine from here, ”said Tompkins.

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