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As summer winds down and many of us have wrapped up our summer travels, now is a great moment to reflect on the growing impact of tourism on our city. Much of Oklahoma City’s tourism industry received extra attention and investment in recent years—from our new convention space to the revitalization of The National to new and improved sports arenas—and our city is now reaping the rewards.
A recent Tourism Economics report shows that last year, tourism brought $4.5 billion to Oklahoma City; this includes money spent on travel, hotel stays, food and beverages, and recreation. Oklahoma City welcomed 24.1 million visitors in the last fiscal year, generating $358 million in tax revenue. These positive numbers reflect that our city is on the right track, and the further growth and development of tourism-focused facilities is absolutely worthwhile.
Leaders in OKC have invested a great deal into fostering growth, supporting local businesses, and creating new recreation-centered infrastructure, and the subsequent generated income and created jobs are evidence that it has been worth the effort. In 2023, visitors spent $2.7 billion on food, lodging, entertainment and more, leading to significant indirect economic benefits. We can attribute nearly 35,000 jobs to tourism in Oklahoma City, and with major developments on the horizon, we look forward to the prospect of even more growth.
Presently, the over 216,000-square-foot OG&E Coliseum is under construction at the OKC fairgrounds, where indoor events will be able to run year-round. With other soon-to-open developments like the OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark and the new multi-purpose stadium, tourism in Oklahoma City is expected to grow further.
Seeing such growth validates planned investment, and upcoming projects will bring even more visitors. The continual development has played a pivotal role in boosting the local economy and attracting more visitors and potential residents.
The results are clear: Oklahoma City’s decades-long investment in tourism, attractions and venues is paying off in a big way. These developments not only boost the economy but also enhance Oklahoma City’s reputation as a great place to live and visit. As tourists discover the city’s vibrant culture and opportunities, many may consider moving here, making tourism a vital part of OKC’s growth and future success.
Kenton Tsoodle is the president of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.
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