A record-setting year by Jonesboro hotels in 2023 can be attributed to our thriving economy and Jonesboro Advertising and Promotions’ effort to promote our city to visitors and tourism, Mayor Harold Copenhaver said Monday.
Jonesboro hotels accounted for nearly $40 million ($39.2M) in revenue for the calendar year – a nearly 8-percent increase over 2022. The data comes from the STR or “Star” report. The STR Report is an analytical tool created by Smith Travel Resources to compile data for the hotel industry. Jonesboro currently has 28 active hotels that comprise a total of 2380 hotel rooms.
Copenhaver said the increase in hotel revenue “reinforces what we know: that Jonesboro is the regional hub that attracts visitors for business, healthcare, and entertainment.”
“This is attributable to the respective leaders in those respective areas, but also the work of our A&P Commission. I want to thank the A&P Commission and the host of other non-profit organizations that hold events across the city annually to boost our economy. I would also like to thank the new executive director Craig Rickert, who will lead the A&P into the future that is very promising for Jonesboro.”
Rickert called the news “very encouraging for Jonesboro,” and said the sales tax revenue generated by those visitors last year is worth over $1.3 million for our city.
“Inventory rose over 9 percent,” Rickert said. “We added two hotels in Jonesboro in 2023. Two more are under construction so we expect those revenues to rise again in 2024.”
Rickert also said the April eclipse and other events and conventions coming to Jonesboro this year mean “Jonesboro hotels are going to be extremely busy.”
The Great Jonesboro Eclipse is April 8. City and State officials estimate there will be thousands of travelers in Jonesboro to view the eclipse. Jonesboro is in the zone of totality, which offers eclipse watchers the opportunity to see a true, total eclipse.
“Preparations are well underway for the eclipse,” Rickert said. “We expect record crowds in Jonesboro not just that day, but the entire week,” he said.
The Jonesboro Open Pro Disc Golf tournament, the Harlem Globetrotters, an Oliver Anthony concert, The Oasis Arts and Eats Festival, and the Jonesboro Business Association Crawfish Festival are bookending the eclipse. Not to mention baseball, soccer, and trapshooting events in the days following the eclipse.
“It’s not hard to foresee that week being one of the biggest in Jonesboro history,” Rickert said. “We all need to prepare to put our best foot forward and show our guests our trademark hospitality.”
To see a simulation of the eclipse, learn more about lodging for the eclipse, and a special eclipse event at the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home, please visit www.tourjonesboro.com.