tourism supports local economy

Each passing month has meant new attractions popping up across Oklahoma City, adding to the city’s popularity as a tourist destination. With the opening of each of these retail and entertainment businesses comes additional economic growth and diversification.

Oklahoma City currently sees about $2.1 billion in direct spending from the more than 7.5 million tourists who visit each year. This is an extremely beneficial industry to tap into and will continue to grow as the city builds new infrastructure to support visitors and pedestrian traffic.

The city recently saw the opening of a new offering in the Bricktown entertainment district, The Criterion concert venue. Debuting with its first concert in March, this venue holds about 3,500 concertgoers and looks to attract big-name entertainment. The Criterion will provide a boost in the district’s foot traffic, pairing perfectly with the area’s restaurants and hotels.

The MAPS 3 Riversport Rapids Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking facility is nearing completion, with plans for a grand opening in May. This facility will draw river sport enthusiasts from around the country as well as Olympic-level athletes when it hosts the U.S. Olympic team trials in canoe and kayak slalom during the grand opening weekend May 7-8.

Read the full article here in the April 5th edition of The Journal Record.