Arkansas honors Naturals with award

EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark. -- The Northwest Arkansas Naturals have been awarded the 2010 Tourism Special Achievement Award by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. The Tourism Special Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual or organization that has contributed to the tourism industry through leadership "above and beyond" the normal requirements of their jobs.

Naturals General Manager Eric Edelstein accepted the prestigious award on the organization's behalf Tuesday evening at the Arkansas Governor's Conference on Tourism at the Arkansas Hospitality Association/Annual Henry Awards Banquet, held in Eureka Springs.

"We're honored to receive an award that recognizes our statewide impact on tourism," indicated Edelstein. "There are many great recreational activities in the state of Arkansas. To be considered amongst the best is truly special."

The Arkansas Governor's Conference on Tourism is an annual in-state meeting of travel and tourism professionals. The largest of such meetings, it brings together different communities of people, attractions, destinations, hoteliers and bed and breakfast owners, chambers and convention & visitor's bureaus, governmental agencies, and media outlets.

The Henry Awards are named for Henri de Tonti, the man historians consider to be one of the first "Arkansas Travelers." For specific information on the Henry Awards, contact Donna Perrin in the Tourism Development Section of the Department of Parks and Tourism, (501) 682-1926 or (501) 682-5240.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.