Tourism generates $4.5 billion in annual economic impact for local economy

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – A recent research report conducted by Tourism Economics found that visitors to Oklahoma City generated an annual economic impact of $4.5 billion from 24.1 million visitors in 2023. By tracing the flow of visitor-related expenditures through the city’s economy and their effects on employment, wages and taxes, the report found that tourism has a dramatic effect on the health of OKC’s local economy. This total economic impact generated $358 million in state and local tax revenues in 2023.  In other words, tax generated from visitors amounts to $1,326 locals do not pay in taxes each year. 

Moreover, Visit OKC's initiatives have demonstrated an impressive return on investment, with every dollar received by Visit OKC yielding $68.55 in return for the city. This ROI underscores the critical role that Visit OKC plays in promoting tourism, which is Oklahoma's third-largest industry.  

“Our city’s vibrant tourism sector is a testament to the sales and marketing efforts of Visit OKC and our hospitality industry partners,” said Zac Craig, President of Visit OKC. “This recent study highlights the significance of tourism in our local economy and how, ultimately, tourism is a revenue generator for the city, advancing the city’s priorities which improves quality of life for residents.” 

Visit OKC also released its Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Annual Report to city officials detailing how Oklahoma City’s remarkable growth in recent years has positioned OKC in a new competitive tier when it comes to attracting larger conventions, sporting events and leisure visitation. FY24 Annual Report highlights include: 

  • 34,897 total jobs generated by tourism 
  • 269 groups, conventions, sports and equine events provided with servicing support by Visit OKC in FY24 
  • 290,669 hotel room nights booked by convention and sporting event sales efforts 
  • 206 published news articles touting OKC as a travel destination  
  • Nearly 2 million VisitOKC.com unique visitors and 47 million social media impressions generated 

Destination marketing and the tourism industry benefit OKC residents beyond jobs and tax revenue. 

“Today’s visitors become tomorrow’s residents. Tourism impacts perceptions of our city which intersects with economic development as new businesses look to relocate here,” said Greater OKC Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater. "The more we promote OKC as a tourism destination, the more jobs we can support, the more city revenue is paid by visitors and additional positive awareness is generated about Oklahoma City.”  

 

About Visit Oklahoma City  

Visit Oklahoma City (Visit OKC) is a division of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. Visit OKC is the tourism information source for visitors to and the citizens of Oklahoma City, as well as the home of OKC Sports. As the City’s official destination marketing organization, the mission of Visit OKC is to contribute to the economic well-being of Oklahoma City and its citizens through the solicitation and servicing of conventions, sporting events and other related group business, to promote the city as a first-class visitor destination, and to enhance Oklahoma City's name and image.