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| VisitTulsa | |
|---|---|
| Name | VisitTulsa |
| Type | Destination marketing organization |
| Founded | 1980s |
| Headquarters | Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| Region served | Tulsa County, Oklahoma |
| Leader title | President & CEO |
VisitTulsa is the primary destination marketing organization for Tulsa, Oklahoma, tasked with promoting Tulsa, Oklahoma as a travel, convention, and cultural destination. It operates alongside civic institutions and cultural organizations to attract conventions, leisure travelers, and film productions to the Tulsa metropolitan area. The organization coordinates with county, state, and private stakeholders to develop tourism infrastructure and market Tulsa’s museums, performing arts, parks, and sports venues.
VisitTulsa traces its roots to local civic promotion efforts in mid‑to‑late 20th century Tulsa, evolving alongside Tulsa County, City of Tulsa redevelopment initiatives and regional economic shifts driven by the Petroleum Industry and postwar urban planning. Early tourism promotion connected to institutions such as the Philbrook Museum of Art, Gilcrease Museum, Woody Guthrie Center, and Tulsa Performing Arts Center. During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, ties formed with statewide organizations including Travel Oklahoma, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, and national networks like the U.S. Travel Association and Destination Marketing Association International. Major local events and venues such as the Tulsa State Fair, Cain's Ballroom, BOK Center, and the Gilcrease Museum expansion shaped VisitTulsa’s strategic priorities, alongside transportation developments tied to Tulsa International Airport and regional rail proposals linked to Amtrak conversations.
The organization is structured as a nonprofit or quasi‑public entity reporting to a board composed of hospitality, convention, cultural, and civic leaders from institutions like Saint Francis Health System, OSU‑Tulsa, University of Tulsa, Williams Companies, and local hoteliers affiliated with national chains such as Hilton, Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Governance commonly involves coordination with municipal authorities in Mayor of Tulsa’s office, Tulsa County commissioners, and statewide bodies including Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Funding mechanisms historically include municipal hotel/motel tax allocations, partnerships with groups like the Tulsa Regional Chamber and grant programs tied to foundations such as the George Kaiser Family Foundation and federal initiatives like those of the Economic Development Administration.
VisitTulsa conducts multi‑channel campaigns promoting attractions such as Route 66 (U.S. Route 66), Philbrook Museum of Art, Gilcrease Museum, Philcade Building, Boston Avenue Methodist Church, Woodward Park, and cultural festivals like Mayfest (Tulsa) and the Tulsa International Mayfest. Digital outreach leverages platforms connected to Google, Facebook, Instagram, and travel sites including TripAdvisor and Expedia Group partners. Targeted efforts aim at sports tourism involving venues like ONEOK Field and BOK Center and events tied to organizations such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association and USA Track & Field. Film promotion collaborates with regional film offices and entities such as Oklahoma Film + Music Office, reaching film festivals like Tulsa Film Festival and national circuits including Sundance Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival networks.
Programs administered or promoted by the organization include convention sales to groups like the American Bar Association, American Medical Association, and National Association of Broadcasters; leisure travel packages highlighting Cain's Ballroom, Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa Arts District, and the Blue Dome District; and film‑friendly services supporting productions connected to studios such as Lionsgate and Warner Bros. Pictures. Visitor services interface with transportation providers like Greyhound Lines, Uber, and Lyft and accommodation partners spanning brands like Best Western, Choice Hotels International, and boutique properties tied to local developers. Educational outreach and workforce development collaborate with institutions such as Tulsa Community College, Rogers State University, and hospitality training programs affiliated with national associations like the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
VisitTulsa partners with cultural institutions and events including Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, Blue Whale (venue), Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, Tulsa Race Massacre commemoration groups, and festivals like Tulsa International Mayfest, Oklahoma State Fair‑adjacent events, and music series at Cain's Ballroom. Strategic alliances extend to national conventions held at BOK Center and regional sports tournaments organized with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and youth sports organizers. Collaborative marketing has involved partnerships with airlines serving Tulsa International Airport such as Southwest Airlines and American Airlines as well as business events with Greater Tulsa Chamber of Commerce and philanthropic partners like Harvard Kennedy School‑affiliated initiatives and regional foundations.
Economic impact reporting typically estimates direct and indirect spending from conventions, leisure visitors, and film production, linking to metrics used by entities like the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Indicators include hotel occupancy reported by organizations such as STR, Inc. and tax receipts from municipal hotel/motel levies. Major projects and visitor draws affecting local GDP involve institutions like Chase Tower (Tulsa) projects, redevelopment in the Tulsa Arts District, and investments tied to River Parks (Tulsa) improvements. Analyses often reference statewide tourism statistics compiled by Travel Oklahoma and economic modeling practices used by universities including University of Oklahoma and University of Tulsa.
Critiques have centered on allocation of public hotel/motel tax revenues, equity of investment across neighborhoods including North Tulsa and downtown, and decisions around event subsidies affecting organizations like Tulsa Public Schools and local nonprofits. Debates mirror controversies seen in other cities involving public incentives for venues managed by entities such as SMG (company) or ASM Global and discussions about representation of histories related to events like the Tulsa Race Massacre. Stakeholders including community activists, local media such as Tulsa World and statewide policymakers from the Oklahoma Legislature have engaged in scrutiny over transparency, return on investment, and cultural stewardship.