OKC tourism study unveils unprecedented economic impact

Oklahoma City tourism is breaking records with a staggering economic impact of $4.3 billion in 2022. That’s according to a recent study by Tourism Economics. The influx of 23.2 million visitors had a significant impact on our economy, from employment and wages to tax revenues.

The Flourishing Impact of Tourism

The findings paint a vivid picture of the vibrant economic landscape fueled by tourism. Zac Craig, president of Visit Oklahoma City, said the news is very exciting.

“We’ve had various indicators that our visitor economy had surpassed pre-pandemic levels, but this data gives us a deeper understanding of the power of tourism in Oklahoma City,” said Craig. “We expect tourism’s economic impact to continue climbing as Visit OKC elevates our destination marketing across national and international audiences and partners add new attractions throughout the city.”

Diverse Spending

The research dives into the specifics of the expenditures made by visitors during their time in OKC. The numbers reveal that visitors directly spent $2.6 billion in various sectors, including food and beverage, retail, recreation and entertainment, lodging and transportation. These expenditures are not isolated but contribute to the overall health of the local economy.

Employment and Taxes

One of the most significant impacts of the tourism surge is the employment it generates. The research demonstrates that this bustling sector sustains over 33,888 jobs, providing livelihoods for a significant portion of the local population. Additionally, the economic activity generated by tourism contributes a substantial $343 million in state and local tax revenues, fueling public services and local infrastructure.

Ripple Effect

While the study primarily focuses on the direct impact of tourism, it also highlights the benefits to other industries. Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, points out that tourism creates a powerful ripple effect.

“We also see the additional ways travel spending positively impacts other industries such as real estate, insurance and various business services that support tourism-related organizations,” said Gillenwater. “In addition, the total jobs impact approximately one of every 20 jobs in Oklahoma City. That’s 5% of our workforce supporting tourism right here in Oklahoma City.”

A Bright Future

The tourism study signals a promising future for Oklahoma City tourism. This growth is attributed in part to the city's commitment to investing in entertainment venues and districts through the MAPS program. This long-term investment has culminated in the development of the Oklahoma City Convention Center, streetcar infrastructure and world-class attractions. These enhancements have elevated OKC as a premier destination for meetings, sports and leisure travel.