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Bill Barnes, president of the Tri-Pennant Family of Resorts, and Robert Moore, a farmer and politician, were inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame today at the 45th Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Hot Springs.

The Hall of Fame honor is presented annually to an individual or individuals who have been actively involved in tourism for many years and who have made substantial contributions to the betterment of the industry as a whole.

Bill Barnes

Born in Wyoming in 1948, Barnes graduated from Hot Springs High School and studied hotel and restaurant management at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, at Oklahoma State University in Oklahoma, and at Forest Park College in Missouri.

Since 1971, he’s been active in the management of Mountain Harbor Resort, which his father Hal started in 1955 just outside of Hot Springs in Joplin, Ark. He helped Mountain Harbor Resort transition from a small fishing outpost into one of the top resorts in Arkansas. Additionally, Barnes developed and operates with partners Iron Mountain Lodge & Marina and Self Creek Lodge and Marina. Those resorts, along with Harbor House on the River, are the members of the Tri-Pennant Family of Resorts.

His career accomplishments also include building and operating the largest in-land marina in the Mid-South United States, housing approximately 1,500 boats. He also formed a volunteer fire department and first response team for the Joplin area.

He serves as a member of the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission, president of the Lake Ouachita Association, and member of the Arkansas Forestry Commission Boat Committee.

During his long career, Barnes has been honored as Arkansas Tourism Person of the Year and has received the Arkansas Hospitality Association Gold Key Award for Lodging, Arkansas Times Readers Choice Award for Best Marina for nine years in a row, Hernando DeSoto Award, Arkansas Hospitality Association Presidents Award, Silver Cup for Tourism, Best Friend Award from the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Employer of the Year Award from the Mount Ida Chamber of Commerce. He was inducted into the Arkansas Hospitality Hall of Fame in 1999.

Robert Moore

An Arkansan who loves music, writing, bicycling and outdoor recreation, Moore was born in Dumas in 1945. He graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and obtained a degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville. He served in the U.S. Army Infantry and the Vietnam War. He currently resides in Arkansas City.
Moore has a vast political career and his contributions to the tourism industry have been significant as well.

In 2013, Moore was appointed by Gov. Mike Beebe to a 10-year term on the Arkansas State Highway Commission.  Moore’s previous experience in public service includes serving as a three-term member of the Arkansas House of Representatives, representing District 12 and serving as Speaker of the House for the 88th General Assembly.

His tourism endeavors include working with Dr. Ruth Hawkins and Delta Scenic Byways to secure the National Scenic Byway recognition for Arkansas Highway 4 through Arkansas City. He worked with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in the late 90s for acquisition of 10,000 acres surrounding Arkansas City now known as Choctaw Island Wildlife Management Area. Moore sponsored and passed the GeoTourism Tax Credit legislation and the Historic Buildings tax credit legislation.

He worked with Arkansas State Parks for the extension of the Delta Heritage Trail from Rohwer to Arkansas City and with the help of Gov. Beebe secured major funding for completion of the paved levee trail. He also worked with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to secure funding for a new scenic overview and boat ramp on the Mississippi River joining the extension of the Delta Heritage Trail.

Moore and his wife, Beverly, donated property to Arkansas City, Desha County and Arkansas State Parks for establishment of city, county and state parks. They purchased five historic buildings in Arkansas City in various states of disrepair, rehabilitated them, and successfully have all five listed on the National Register of Historic Places.