OKC tourism generates $3.8 billion economic impact

A recent research report conducted by Tourism Economics found that visitors to Oklahoma City generated a total economic impact of $3.8 billion in 2021. The industry generated 31,569 jobs and contributed $311 million in state and local taxes.

The study examined spending in 2021, a rebound year for tourism following a steep decline in 2020. “We knew tourism was thriving in OKC, but to see the significant numbers and ways the hospitality industry impacts our community is very exciting,” said Zac Craig, Visit Oklahoma City President. “This data also shows a strong recovery despite 2021 having lingering Covid-related challenges for leisure, convention and sports visitation. We expect tourism’s economic impact to continue climbing as Visit OKC elevates our destination marketing across national and international audiences.”

In 2021, 21.4 million visitors directly spent $2.3 billion across a range of sectors – including food and beverage (27%), retail (24%), recreation and entertainment (18%), lodging (16%) and transportation (15%). This total economic impact sustained more than 31,500 jobs and generated $311 million in state and local tax revenues in 2021.

“This study brings to light the multi-faceted impact of tourism. Spending goes beyond what you would think traditionally – hotels, restaurants -- and impacts other industries such as real estate, insurance business services and more that support tourism-related organizations,” said Roy Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “The employment impact is significant with more than 30,000 jobs created by the industry. Those individuals bring home more than $1.2 billion. Those numbers will only grow as the industry continues to rebound.”

"Our civic leaders and local residents have invested in entertainment venues and districts through the MAPS program for decades and this investment is paying dividends through tourism,” said Craig. “Our new convention center complex, streetcar infrastructure and world-class attractions and districts have elevated us as a meetings destination, but are also gaining attention for major sporting events and expanded leisure travel.”

For additional highlights from the 2021 OKC Tourism Economic Impact study, click here.