Events help us showcase Oklahoma on the world stage

Shelley Zumwalt
| Guest columnist

Oklahoma may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of international attractions, but we do have some unique destinations and some unparalleled events coming up that are sure to draw visitors from all over the world.

Following the recent announcement that Oklahoma City is just steps away from hosting multiple events as part of the 2028 Olympic Games, I felt an immense sense of pride, but also an overwhelming sense of duty. This is an important opportunity to welcome national and international visitors to our state and showcase all that we have to offer — from our world-class facilities to our beautiful landscapes and unparalleled hospitality — on the global stage.

Oklahoma is also ideally positioned to utilize our state’s 400-plus miles of Route 66 to welcome visitors from across the country and the world planning a trip around the iconic highway’s centennial in 2026. For years, international visitors have come to the United States with the sole purpose of driving the longest drivable stretch of Route 66.

With Tulsa recently being named the official capital of Route 66 and the Legislature making a historic investment in the Mother Road, Oklahoma is better prepared than ever to welcome the tens of thousands of visitors who will travel this iconic highway.

In 2022, Oklahoma saw its largest annual percentage increase in travel spending in nearly a decade, jumping 12.3% from $10.5 billion in 2021 to $11.8 billion. More than 60% of those dollars were spent in rural communities outside of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Those dollars could support more than 100,000 jobs. Even more impressive, according to Omnitrak, the average travel party of four in Oklahoma spends $562 per trip. That’s up more than 14% from last year, indicating positive ongoing trends for Oklahoma’s tourism industry.

Despite economic growth and unprecedented opportunities, Oklahoma’s statewide tourism marketing budget continues to lag far behind that of our neighboring states, such as Texas, Arkansas and Missouri. As a result, our limited tourism marketing budget, which has been capped for nearly a decade, requires strategic and innovative approaches to maximize our available resources and promote our state. Enhanced funding could further stimulate our state’s tourism industry, spur economic development and increase Oklahoma’s appeal as a global travel destination.

More: Looking Back at 50 Years Since ‘Where the Red Fern Grows’ Was Filmed in Oklahoma

Tourism is already Oklahoma’s third largest industry. What we do over the next four years and the resources we dedicate to promoting the great events and attractions coming to our state will impact Oklahoma for generations to come.

It’s time for the world to discover Oklahoma’s hidden treasures, to walk its famous trails and share its stories around the world. The invitation is open — we invite everyone to come explore the heart of America in Oklahoma.

Shelley Zumwalt is director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.