Chamber Chatter - 05/21/09

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, and Marlow’s BIG holiday, July 4, right around the corner, it seemed a good time to share some information about the travel industry from the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department 2008 Annual Report.

According to the report, “Travel Touches Us All,” tourism is big business for Oklahoma, generating more than $5 billion annually and employing nearly 72,000 Oklahoma residents. Annual tax revenues generated by travelers contribute more than $842 million to federal, state and local economies, and benefits reach all 77 counties. The report goes on to say that its $5.3 billion impact makes tourism Oklahoma’s third largest industry.

Sandy Pantlik with Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation tells us, “In a time when many are saying ‘flat is the new up,’ our March 2009 visitation numbers for the Oklahoma Tourism Information Centers and inquiries for travel information are tracking above last year’s numbers. For spring break, visitation at the TIC’s was up 11.79% over last year. Overall, total March visitation at the centers was up 50% over February.”

She goes on to say, “As for inquires into our call center, phone volume is up about 30% over last March and brochure orders are up about 22%. Unique visitors to TravelOK.com increased 37% in March 09 over February 09, with 85,707 people coming to our site in March.”

As many of you are planning your get-a-way trips for the summer, keep in mind the many activities right here in our own back yard. The 2009 Annual Report also reminds us of our state parks. “Oklahoma offers one of the finest, most naturally diverse state park systems in the nation. Our state-operated parks, lodges and golf courses incite travel, preserve natural resources, improve quality of life for all Oklahomans and create employment opportunities in rural areas of our state.”

Oklahoma boasts of 50 state parks, five lodges, 330 cabins and cottages, as well as numerous campsites, scenic trails, and boating and other recreation facilities statewide.

For those of you who haven’t visited Oklahoma’s state parks in a while, the report also tells us in 2008 an additional 102 cabins were renovated using environmentally friendly furnishings. Seven parks received green updates for the cabins this year, in addition to the six parks and 132 cabins completed in FY’07.

So, as a reminder, whether you’re planning a stay-cation or vacation, remember to check out what there is to do right here in our own back yard. You can do that by stopping by  www.travelok.com – day or night.