More than 24.5 million visitors arrived in Oklahoma City in 2024, generating $4.6 billion in total economic impact, the majority of whom traveled from within the U.S. Now, Visit Oklahoma City is taking strategic steps to expand that success globally through a new partnership designed to attract international travelers to the region.

With two milestone anniversaries occurring in 2026, America’s 250th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, and the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Oklahoma City is poised to capture the attention of global audiences eager to experience authentic “America.” With more than 50 miles of Route 66 winding directly through Oklahoma City, visitors can experience a living slice of America’s storied past alongside its dynamic present.

From the First Americans Museum, honoring 39 distinct First American Nations, to the Oklahoma City Zoo, the OKC Underground, and Route 66 icons like the Tower Theatre and Milk Bottle Grocery Building, Oklahoma City delivers the best of both modern and historic America. The destination’s diversity and vibrancy make it uniquely positioned to welcome international visitors seeking cultural depth and discovery beyond the traditional U.S. gateways.

While the United States welcomed 72.39 million international visitors in 2024 who generated $181 billion in revenue, most of those travelers stayed in coastal metro areas or major theme-park destinations. Visit Oklahoma City’s initiative aims to capture a greater share of this global audience by positioning the city as a key stop for international travelers exploring the heart of America.

To achieve this, Visit Oklahoma City has partnered with the International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) and Alon Tourism Solutions to implement the Inbound Insider:  Steps to Success™ program, a hands-on training initiative that equips local tourism partners with the tools to effectively engage the global travel trade.

“Oklahoma City’s tourism community is embracing this opportunity to expand into international markets,” said Jennifer Ackerson, President of Alon Tourism Solutions and creator of the Steps to Success™ program. “By learning how to work with inbound operators and create travel-trade-ready products, local businesses are setting the stage for long-term, year-round economic growth.”

The Steps to Success™ Program is part of a national initiative launched by IITA and Alon Tourism Solutions to strengthen U.S. destinations’ readiness for inbound international travel. The program is practical and collaborative, offering local businesses training in product development, pricing, packaging, and partnership building, all key elements in securing business from global tour operators and travel resellers.

Local Oklahoma City businesses are encouraged to register for the next Steps to Success™ session on November 18^th to gain firsthand guidance from industry experts and become part of the growing network of Inbound Insiders preparing for the surge of international interest in Route 66 and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.