The group tour franchise currently operated by Joe Gunnels Tours, and up for renewal, was extended by city council for two years. Director Ken Smith of the Transit Department indicated at the Oct. 9 city council meeting that Gunnels was not bringing in as many groups as expected, and he offered to hire staff to provide the tours. Smith reiterated Monday night that groups are not being served well by this franchise.
Gunnels countered his tour ridership is up a little this year and he expects the trend to continue. He said the Smith’s plan would succeed only if he were to go out of business, and that was not his intention. He has promoted group travel to Eureka Springs since 1988, and asked what Transit has done to bring tour groups to town.
Gunnels said if his franchise were not renewed, his groups would still book with him, and he is not aware of any problems being aired about his business. He mentioned even Smith had said at the Oct. 9 meeting his crew does a good job. His only request would be to extend the franchise five years instead of two years.
Alderman Terry McClung moved to renew Gunnels’ franchise for two years, and vote to approve was unanimous.