Tourism Leaders Look To Build Off Success Of 2023 In Tulsa

Tulsa tourism leaders are calling 2023 a huge success that included sold-out concerts, live sports events and conventions and fairs.

They said the amount of people visiting Tulsa was record-breaking.

Tulsa Regional Tourism told News On 6 that 2024 could be even bigger.

It's quiet at Expo Square now, but in the coming days, there will be 20,000 visitors to the Chili Bowl.

The event is expected to bring in $18 million to Tulsa's economy and tourism leaders said that's just the kickoff to a busy 2024.

"We just continue to bring people into town, whether it's for film, music, arts, culture, they love our attractions and they continue to come back again and again," said Tulsa Regional Tourism President Renee McKenney.

After three years of welcoming professional golf to town, McKenney says this year's crown jewel is the Bassmaster Classic, which is expected to have an economic impact of nearly $20 million.

Renee McKenney / Tulsa Regional Tourism McKenney 3 "Think PGA and NCAA wrestling championships, it's on that level. it's going to bring in 20,000 people a day, over 100,000 people for the entire week," McKenney said.

Among the new events coming to Tulsa is the World Axe and Knife Throwing Championships in April.

This event is expected to attract more than 7,000 people to town when it takes place at the new WeStreet Ice Center.

McKenney said bringing in new events gets new people to town, which could benefit the city even more.

"If you can come here for your convention or you're here for business purposes or to attend a sporting event and you fall in love with Tulsa, you make come back here and bring your business here,: McKenney said

Tourism leaders said they'll also spend the year pushing for a new hotel that would be attached to the convention center, which will help make the area even more attractive for conventions and meetings.