Visit OKC sends this information as posted below:
OKLAHOMA 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.
According 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.
“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.”
Tourism-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.
“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.”
This 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.
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 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.
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