Bricktown continues to thrive as OKC’s entertainment district
Originally an industrial and warehouse district, Bricktown has transformed over the last few decades into one of Oklahoma City’s most visited neighborhoods.
Originally an industrial and warehouse district, Bricktown has transformed over the last few decades into one of Oklahoma City’s most visited neighborhoods.
Oklahoma City’s tourism economy reached record levels in 2024, according to a new report by the Tourism Economics group within Oxford Economics. The study found that 24.5 million visitors came to OKC last year, driving $2.8 billion in direct spending and fueling a total economic impact of $4.6 billion.
Visit OKC is the official destination marketing organization for the Greater OKC region, promoting the city as a top destination for conventions, sports and leisure travel. Through targeted sales and marketing, Visit OKC aims to raise the city’s national profile.
In this month’s Leadership Notes, Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater emphasizes the importance of Oklahoma City’s visitor economy as a powerful catalyst for investment, talent attraction and long-term growth.
This fall, GiANT Worldwide, a local leadership consultancy, will host its first national meeting in Oklahoma City.
Tourism is a key part of Oklahoma City’s growth, and Visit OKC works to make sure visitors have clear, useful tools to plan their stay and feel welcome. Its efforts help draw more visitors, support local businesses and share what the city has to offer.
Oklahoma City has been named the No. 1 Best Big City to Live for the 2025–26 U.S. News and World Report rankings, underscoring the metro’s national rise as a destination for both opportunity and quality of life.
At the beginning of each year, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s board of directors adopts a set of comprehensive Legislative Priorities that address key issues impacting economic development. From February through May, the Chamber’s Government Relations team was intensively engaged at the State Capitol fighting for policies that strengthen Oklahoma’s business climate.