Mountain Grove creates, hires for tourism position

The City of Mountain Grove is placing faith, and funds, towards the growth of the community through the newly created Director of Tourism and Activities position.
Mountain Grove native Luke Hurtt has been hired to lead the City’s tourism, recreation and event initiatives. His focus is on promoting Mountain Grove as a regional destination for leisure, competition and quality-of-life experiences.
Mountain Grove City Administrator Dakota Bates sees potential. “Mountain Grove for me has huge potential for such a draw from all of our surrounding communities and states,” he said. “My goal or this position is to unleash that huge potential and drive engagement.” This position, fully funded by the City budget as supported by the mayor and City Council, is a commitment to growth.
Tourism may not seem like an important focus to some for a community of 4,800 residents, but even a small portion of the state’s tourism revenue could bring substantial income through sales tax to the City. With the statewide tourism industry creating a $20.8 billion dollar impact to communities in 2025, the numbers speak for themselves.
“Driving people here and focusing on the businesses we currently have while expanding options” was Bates number one goal. “Being located centrally between Springfield, West Plains, and northern Arkansas, we have the ability to grow in industry,” he said. Bates also spoke on available national, state and regional grant funds to support local business initiatives and even the formation of new small businesses. These grants, which were previously missed opportunities, are now able to be directed towards the community through this position as a resource.
With sports being a major focus, this position will work hand in hand with City facilities, local business partners, and the Ozark Mountain YMCA to bring tournaments, games and instructional clinics to the area. Events and community recreation will be a large portion of the position as well.
“We have the Heritage Festival, and Mayfest, and Winterfest, which are all amazing events, but think about having someone dedicated to marketing and organizing, think of how much they can grow,” Bates said. “We have people coming from Florida, Alabama, Illinois for our festivals with what we already have, now with this point person we can expand.”
One additional avenue of expansion also being discussed is performing arts. “Mountain Grove has one of the best school systems around,” Bates enthusiastically shared. “You look at the performing arts and sports, it’s the Friday night lights, it’s going to the theater and watching your kid perform a concert or a ballet, that small town charm, that’s family oriented is what we want to focus on.”
When asked about his new position, Hurtt commented, “I am excited to return to my hometown of Mountain Grove to serve the community as the Director of Tourism and Activities. I know how great this town is, and I look forward to helping it grow to its full potential.”