Conway tourism staff reports hotel-market gains, upcoming events and aquatic center opening this summer

Tourism and events staff told the board Conway saw measurable hotel-market growth over the past year and outlined several upcoming events that are expected to bring visitors and hotel stays to the city.

Staff reported annual hotel sales volume above $6,500,000, two properties changing hands in the past year, and an average building sale price of about $3,200,000. The city currently has 1,597 hotel rooms online; the 12-month average daily rate was reported at $95, up 3.1% from the prior year. Staff offered to share more detailed reports from market-data services on request.

Staff summarized recent and upcoming events: the Ugly Gnome mountain bike race drew more than 200 riders after moving to the Tech Park Loop; the Weekend of Champions, slated in May, will host state championship games for softball, baseball and boys and girls soccer on the UCA campus and typically drives strong attendance; and a slate of tournaments and expos (basketball, baseball, soccer, Saline County Kennel Club and Jurassic Quest) are scheduled at City facilities.

Board members and staff also confirmed that the new aquatic center is scheduled to open in summer 2025. Staff reported public interest in swim lessons and that many residents asked about an opening date at outreach events. The board credited multiple staff and partners, including Shield (staff/partner referenced in the discussion), for effort toward delivering these amenities and events.

Speakers noted the events drove measurable short-term boosts to downtown restaurants and hotels, including a reported group of 45 visitors from Fort Wayne, Indiana, who visited local restaurants as part of a recent visit.