Oklahoma City experienced a historic high in tourism-driven economic activity in 2024, according to a new report released by Visit OKC. The study, conducted by Tourism Economics, found that travelers spent $2.8 billion directly in the city last year, contributing to a total economic impact of $4.6 billion when indirect and induced effects are factored in. The sector supported over 35,300 jobs and generated substantial tax revenue for both state and local governments, helping ease the fiscal burden on residents. n nZac Craig, President of Visit OKC, emphasized tourism’s growing role as a cornerstone of the city’s economy, noting that strategic investments in global sports events and destination marketing have elevated Oklahoma City’s national and international profile. He highlighted that the city is now better positioned than ever to attract more visitors and expand its economic footprint in the coming years. n nBeyond hospitality, tourism’s ripple effects strengthened industries such as real estate, banking, insurance, and business services. Supply chain and income-related impacts added $1.8 billion in economic value, demonstrating how visitor spending fuels broader commercial activity. Christy Gillenwater, President and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, stated that tourism supports one in every 20 local jobs and enhances quality of life, making the city more attractive to future residents and investors. n nThe analysis defines a visitor as someone who either traveled more than 50 miles to Oklahoma City or stayed overnight. The data was produced by Oxford Economics’ Tourism Economics division, which specializes in measuring the economic footprint of travel using robust modeling and traveler behavior insights. n nVisit Oklahoma City, a division of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, serves as the official destination marketing organization, promoting the city’s unique culture, events, and experiences to both tourists and locals. n— news from Oklahoma City Free Pressn
— News Original —nVisit OKC reports record economic impactnOKLAHOMA CITY (Aug. 20, 2025) – Visit Oklahoma City today released its economic impact of visitors study based on 2024 data, revealing that tourism continues to be a major driver of Oklahoma City’s economy. n nAccording to the independent report by Tourism Economics, Oklahoma City welcomed 24.5 million visitors in 2024, generating $2.8 billion in direct visitor spending. When accounting for the ripple effects of that spending across the local economy, the total economic impact of tourism rose to $4.6 billion. The industry supported 35,303 jobs and generated significant state and local tax revenue—critical funding that helps reduce the tax burden for residents. n n“Tourism continues to be one of Oklahoma City’s most powerful economic engines,” said Zac Craig, President of Visit OKC. “This year’s Tourism Economics data reflects record-setting performance and we continue building national and international awareness of our city as a dynamic, welcoming destination. From global sports events to major tourism developments, we’re positioned to expand our visitor economy in the years to come.” n nTourism-related business directly generates an additional $1.8 billion through supply chain (indirect) and income (induced) effects. This contributes to the bottom line of local businesses in non-tourism industries such as real estate, banking and finance, business services, insurance and many others that benefit from tourism happening in OKC. n n“Tourism touches nearly every part of Oklahoma City’s economy,” said Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater. “It fuels 1 in 20 local jobs, enhances quality of life, and builds awareness that attracts future residents, businesses and investments. This report reaffirms that tourism is not just a revenue stream—it’s an investment in our future.” n nThis study was conducted by the Tourism Economics group within Oxford Economics. Tourism Economics combines an understanding of traveler dynamics with rigorous data analysis to measure the visitor economy. For this report, a visitor is defined as someone who stayed overnight or traveled more than 50 miles to Oklahoma City. n nAbout Visit Oklahoma City n nVisit 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 advance economic growth and vitality for Oklahoma City through innovative branding, inspiring travel and welcoming the world to explore our unique stories, flavors and experiences.