Leadership Notes: Every Visit Builds Oklahoma City

For many people, tourism begins with a vacation, a convention or a weekend getaway. For Oklahoma City, every visit strengthens our economy by supporting local businesses, creating jobs and building our community.  

Economic development often brings to mind expanding local businesses, recruiting companies, expanding industries and preparing our workforce. Tourism is also a powerful driver of economic development and talent attraction, bringing new dollars into our economy while introducing millions of people each year to everything Oklahoma City has to offer. 

The latest economic impact report reveals new record milestones and underscores tourism's impact. In 2025, visitors generated $2.9 billion in direct spending, contributing $4.8 billion to our economy. Tourism supported 36,142 jobs, welcomed 25 million visitors and generated $396 million in direct tax revenue for state and City of OKC governments. 

Behind those numbers are visitors supporting local businesses, attractions and sporting events. Their spending strengthens businesses, supports jobs and benefits our entire community. 

The impact doesn't end when visitors return home. Visitor spending supports businesses, public services and community amenities that strengthen Oklahoma City's quality of life and competitiveness.  Those investments attract more visitors, residents, talent and employers, reinforcing the connection between tourism and economic development as well as talent recruitment. 

Oklahoma City continues to earn national recognition as a destination for sports, meetings, conventions and leisure travel. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games on the horizon, continued investment through MAPS and a growing calendar of major events, our community is reaching audiences around the world. 

Working with key partner organizations and stakeholders, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber/Visit OKC team help position Oklahoma City for long-term success. Together, these efforts strengthen our economy. Every new visitor creates opportunities for local businesses while reinforcing Oklahoma City's reputation as a place where people want to live, work, visit and invest. 

As Oklahoma City continues to grow, the Chamber/Visit OKC remain committed to advancing strategies that strengthen our economy and create opportunities for businesses and residents alike. By continuing to invest in the experiences, partnerships and initiatives that make our city distinctive, we ensure every visit continues to build a stronger Oklahoma City for generations to come.