Governor Stitt and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department release record-breaking economic impact report for 2022

Oklahoma sees largest year-over-year percentage increase in travel spending in nearly a decade

OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 16, 2023 — Governor Stitt and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department released the record-breaking annual Economic Impact of Travel in Oklahoma report for the 2022 calendar year.

“I always say Oklahoma is the best state in the country to start a business,” Governor Kevin Stitt said. “It’s our hope-driven, pro-business and pro-freedom policies that also make Oklahoma one of the best states to visit. I am thankful for Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell and Director Shelley Zumwalt’s leadership, as visitors from around the world come to Oklahoma to enjoy everything our great state has to offer.”

Travel spending increased to a record-breaking $11.8 billion, a 12.3% increase from the previous record of $10.5 billion set in 2021. The state also welcomed 18.3 million visitors in 2022, a 3.3% increase over the previous year. While domestic travel around the United States plateaued, Oklahoma’s visitation continued to rise, outpacing the rest of the country.

“Tourism is the front door to economic development,” Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell said. “It all starts with a trip, and when people visit Oklahoma, they experience the diverse ecosystems, rich heritage, and authentic experiences that make our state unique. Across all 77 counties, tourism continues to be the best tool in our toolbox to strengthen Oklahoma communities.”

As Oklahoma’s marketing agency, OTRD has made strides in recent years to build upon the success of the tourism industry, spurring significant economic growth and activity in local communities every year.

“In 2022, tourism continued its record-setting pace, generating billions of dollars for the state while supporting over 100,000 jobs,” said Executive Director Shelley Zumwalt. “Tourism is Oklahoma’s third-largest industry and is second only to oil and gas in bringing out-of-state dollars directly to Oklahoma. These numbers reflect what we already know – tourism is Oklahoma’s economic powerhouse.”

Notable highlights from the 2022 impact report are listed below.

$11.8 billion in Travel Spending: Travel spending in Oklahoma saw its largest year-over-year percentage increase in nearly a decade, jumping 12.3% from $10.5 billion in 2021 to $11.8 billion in 2022. Of the total travel spending in 2022, visitors spent a combined $4.4 billion, or approximately 38%, in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties alone, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

$833 million in State & Local Tax Revenue: Direct travel-generated tax revenue in 2022 was $833 million, an 8.4% increase over the prior year. Local tax receipts grew 9.7%, and state tax receipts grew 7.5% year-over-year.

7% Growth in Travel Earnings: Direct travel-generated earnings grew to $2.9 billion, a gain of $305 million, and an 11.7% increase compared to 2021.

72% of visitor spending came from out-of-state: Domestic travelers from outside of Oklahoma accounted for approximately 72% of all visitor spending in 2022, while residents of Oklahoma accounted for 27% of the total.

3% Growth in Visitor Volume: Oklahoma visitor volume continued an upward trajectory, reaching 18.3 million in 2022. The state saw a shift in in-state vs. out-of-state visitation trends, with nearly two-thirds of travelers coming from outside of Oklahoma.

17% increase in out-of-state travelers: Out-of-state travelers increased 17% compared to 2021, for a total of 11.5 million, or 63% of total Oklahoma visitation.

5,230 Jobs Added: Direct travel-generated employment increased to over 103,000 with the addition of approximately 5,230 jobs, a 5.3% increase in employment compared to 2021.

To view the full report, click here.

About the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department

The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department seeks to advance the exceptional quality of life in Oklahoma by preserving, maintaining and promoting the state’s natural assets and cultural richness through Tourism. As the third largest industry in Oklahoma, tourism is a strong driver of economic growth and development. In 2022, the tourism industry contributed $11.8 billion to the state’s economy in direct visitor spending, generated $833 million in state and local tax revenue and supported over 100,000 jobs.