Tourism in Oklahoma City reached a new milestone as 25 million annual visitors generated a record $4.8 billion in total economic impact across the metro area. According to a comprehensive study released by Tourism Economics, visitor spending volume grew 3.5 percent, with visitor spending totaling an average of $7.9 million per day in Oklahoma City, a clear reflection of the city’s growing appeal, modern amenities and welcoming spirit.
“Reaching $4.8 billion in economic impact is something our entire city should be proud of,” said Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “Beyond the big numbers, this is really about people. When visitors choose to spend their time and money in Oklahoma City, they’re helping support our local businesses, creating opportunities for our neighbors and directly investing in the everyday services that make OKC such a great place to live.”
Economic Impact Across Local Business Sectors
Far beyond high-level figures, these numbers tell a story of outside visitor dollars actively strengthening the backbone of the community. Visitor spending flows directly into local storefronts, sustaining local businesses and helping secure paychecks for local workers.
While day trips brought 16.5 million visitors, overnight stays accounted for 8.4 million visitors and generated 56 percent of all direct spending. This dynamic combination of regional day-trippers and extended stay guests energized districts across the city, driving $775 million in dining and $631 million in retail spending. At the same time, surging hotel demand pushed lodging spending up 6.1 percent to $522 million, highlighting Oklahoma City’s rising status as a destination of choice for getaways, conventions and major events. Together, the visitor economy proudly sustained 36,142 local jobs, representing 1 in every 20 jobs across the community.
“People around the country are looking at Oklahoma City with brand-new eyes, and they are genuinely falling in love with what they experience,” said Shaun Yates, senior vice president of tourism development for Visit Oklahoma City. “Welcoming 25 million visitors gives Oklahoma City 25 million opportunities to make a first impression. Whether travelers are coming in for a national convention, a major sporting event or a weekend getaway, our city’s modern energy, unique attractions and genuine hospitality leave a lasting impression that keeps them coming back. Today’s leisure visitor or convention attendee often becomes tomorrow’s business investor, corporate recruit or new resident.”
Direct Tax Relief for Oklahoma City Households
The pride in these numbers extends to every household in the city. Beyond overall revenue, the visitor economy directly generated over $664 million in total government revenue, including $396 million in state and local taxes generated specifically by tourism.
This means visitors are directly helping fund the public services, infrastructure and parks that residents enjoy daily. Without visitor-generated tax revenues, each Oklahoma City household would have to be taxed an additional $1,412 annually to maintain existing city services, infrastructure and public safety programs.
Ultimately, these record-setting results reinforce that when Oklahoma City invests in its destination experience, the entire community shares the dividend.
The Tourism Economics report is based on data from the 2025 calendar year.
