23-05-2025
Delaware County sees 26% growth in tourism revenue
GROVE, Okla. — State and local authorities are taking a close look at tourism in Delaware County.
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Executive Director Sterling Zearley says tourism is the third largest industry in Oklahoma – accounting for $12.3 billion in revenue.
In Delaware County, it accounts for 205 million in direct spending each year and that number has been growing up 26 percent in the most recent data.
Because of that, the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a State of the Region Forum Friday morning, giving stakeholders a chance to network and plan for further growth.
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'We see it here, I mean, if you're in Grove on Thursday or Friday with fishing tournaments and folks coming in for recreation, we always say you learn really quick how to take the back roads in Grove, because there's so many visitors here, so it's an exciting thing for our region,' said Amanda Davis, Grove Area Chamber of Commerce President.
'We have several different activities coming up in the next several years. We have our centennial for Route 66 in 2026, which Oklahoma has 400 miles of Route 66, the most of any other state,' said Sterling Zearley, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Dept. Executive Director.
Another potential big draw for the Sooner State, the 2028 Summer Olympics. While Los Angeles is the host city for the games, Oklahoma City will be the host site for the canoe slalom and softball competitions.
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