Pack Your Bags for the Flyover Life
Working in Oklahoma’s Tourism & Hospitality Industry
A mix of stunning natural landscapes and diverse culture and communities, Oklahoma’s tourism industry is alive and well. In fact, it’s the third largest industry in the state. Route 66 kitsch, world-class museums, sweeping state parks, and nearly 150 casinos draw in adventure seekers and history buffs alike. Numerous conventions and conferences also attract market-movers from around the globe. If boutique hotels, an entertainment renaissance, and the most diverse terrain in America sound up your alley, move your hospitality career to Oklahoma.
187,700+ Hospitality Jobs
18.3 Million Visitors Annually
$5.5 Billion Annual Hotel Guest Spend
Major Players
- Travel OK
- Marriott International
- Hilton Worldwide Holdings
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- Oklahoma City Convention Center
- Oklahoma State Parks
- Oklahoma Aquarium
- OKC Will Rogers International Airport
- Chickasaw Nation
- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
- Champion Hotels
Names to Know
Oklahoma State Parks
Oklahoma is a lot more than plains and prairies. Over 32 state parks are around the state, with shimmering lakes, winding hiking trails, and upgraded campgrounds nestled within millions of acres of wildlife. Top-tier park rangers, lodge managers, and maintenance techs are increasingly sought after, ensuring that the state’s natural side stays pristine and accessible for all who seek its wonders.
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark
Set to debut in spring 2025, OKANA is poised to become Oklahoma City’s premier entertainment destination. The riverfront resort will feature a sprawling 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, 404 hotel rooms, and an amphitheater. Nestled next to the esteemed First Americans Museum, OKANA promises to attract guests from every corner of the nation.
Oklahoma Aquarium
You’ll find the world’s largest collection of bull sharks in Jenks, Oklahoma, along with thousands of fish, rays, frogs, eels, and turtles. The Oklahoma Aquarium is one of the nation’s top family-friendly attractions. It’s also a hub for marine education and conservation, regularly recognized for its bull shark and coral research.
BOK Center
If Tulsa is Oklahoma’s music capital, the BOK Center is the epicenter of live entertainment. The 19,000-seat arena hosts an array of events year-round from the biggest acts on the circuit. Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, Kevin Hart, Dua Lipa, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have all graced its stage. The arena is also the home of Tulsa Oilers hockey.
