Tourism bonanza

In 2021, Oklahoma’s tourism industry showed an impressive rebound, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. New research commissioned by the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department shows the industry generated a record breaking $10.1 billion in direct visitor spending, increasing industry employment by 4.6% and exceeding 2019 visitor spending by 3.2%.

"I am incredibly proud of the impressive strides made by our state’s tourism industry,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “Tourism is Oklahoma’s thirdlargest industry, and its prominence in our economy is a testament to our people, our state and our workforce. Every corner of Oklahoma offers unique experiences for locals and visitors alike, and I’m thankful for the hard work of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department who are true ambassadors for the great State of Oklahoma.”

The Oklahoma tourism industry generated $748 million in state and local taxes in 2021, an increase of 3.3% over 2019. That translates to an annual tax savings of $485 for every Oklahoma household, supporting 96,800 jobs.

“Tourism is the front door to economic development,” said Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, who also

See Tourism, Page 18