Edmond Life and Leisure - May 1, 2025

The Visit Edmond office knows that the city’s many golf courses bring several tournaments and players to town. Happy Hippo, on Broadway, is getting ready with Visit Edmond to welcome visitors to town.

By: Jennifer Thornton

Tourism Director Visit Edmond

Celebrating the Power of Travel National Tourism Week: May 4–10, 2025

Each year, National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) shines a spotlight on the importance of travel as a driver of economic growth, community development, and job creation. In 2025, we are celebrating a $2.9 trillion industry that supports 15 million American jobs—and Oklahoma is proudly contributing to that impact. In today’s economy, staycations are becoming more popular. Edmond, as a destination along Route 66, is a place to relax in 33 parks, cool off at splash pads and Pelican Bay, enjoy 40 attractions including annual two cinemas, Arctic Edge Ice Arena, History Museum, Festival Market Place, and year-round sports and performances at University of Central Oklahoma.

Why Welcoming Visitors Matters in Edmond

When visitors come to Edmond, they shop, dine and play and pay sales tax that helps fund parks, streets and other amenities. Visitors who spend the night pay lodging tax which funds Visit Edmond to bring more conferences, tournaments and events and market Edmond as a destination. Every overnight brings an estimated additional $275 for food, transportation and shopping.

National Travel and Tourism Week isn’t just about industry stats—it’s about celebrating the people and places behind the numbers. From hotel housekeepers and front desk teams to tour guides, restaurateurs, and event planners, travel touches every corner of our community.

Whether you’re road-tripping along Route 66, relaxing at Arcadia Lake, exploring downtown Edmond, or attending annual festivals like Arts Festival, Cycle 66, Heard on Hurd, Storybook Forest, and LibertyFest, your travel dollars are supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening our city.

Did You Know Edmond has:

13 Hotels

140 Vacation Homes

50 Creative Venues

27 Sports Facilities

Oklahoma’s Travel & Hospitality Industry:

By the Numbers

As we celebrate #NTTW25, let’s take a look at how travel and tourism fuel Oklahoma’s economy and local communities:

Hotel Industry Highlights:

•$63.8 billion in wages & salaries across Oklahoma

•$131 million in taxes collected from lodging

•$6.2 billion in hotel guest spending in the state

•89,888 jobs provided through Oklahoma’s hotel industry

•1,028 hotel properties with 77,189 guestrooms statewide

Travel Industry at a Glance:

•$12.3 billion in travel spending across Oklahoma

•108,270 travel-related jobs statewide

•$875.3 million in state & local tax revenue generated

•24.2 million visitors choosing Oklahoma as a destination

•Hospitality ranks as the 3rd largest industry in the state

These numbers tell a powerful story—one of opportunity, growth, and the value of welcoming people to experience everything Oklahoma has to offer.

Join the Celebration

Let’s show our pride in the people and places that make visiting Edmond unforgettable. Help us by thanking the hospitality and tourism partners who make it all possible on your next visit to restaurants, retail stores and attractions. Share your stories, tag @visitedmond and support your favorite local spots. Get ready to celebrate big during #NTTW25, May 4–10, 2025.

Want to explore more? Visit VisitEdmondOK.com for ideas on where to dine, shop, stay, and play.