What should OKC add to bring > people 2 visit it?

[ApplePearBerry]

I just came back from a road trip to PCB, FL, and it got me thinking...what does OKC need to do in order to bring more tourists in?

If I knew very little about OKC, I'd want to visit the OKC National Memorial, but after that, what else can I do in OKC, and how and where can I easily pick up useful (time, place, etc.) information about things to do or recommendations of places to eat in OKC?

For ex., in PCB, whether you eat at a restaurant, visit a museum, or rent a boat, within that place, there are numerous booklets full of advertisements and ideas on what you can do or places to eat in PCB. Does OKC have anything like this or do you know if they will implement anything like this in the near future?

[Larry OKC]

Those racks of booklets are typically found in the more touristy places. Welcome stations etc. Not sure how prevalent they are in OKC though. Seems like I have seen them at Cracker Barrel and such

[Spartan]

Pcb?

[Kerry]

An medium sized aquarium would be nice.

[OKCRT]

1st class downtown riverfront casino / hotel resort.

Really pretty simple. That would bring a huge boost to downtown OKC.

[Soonerus]

Casino in Bricktown area... awesome !!!

[Dustin]

A casino anywhere near dt okc would bring in big bucks

[rcjunkie]

Casino in Downtown/Bricktown, not only no, but hell no. We have enough casinos within a Short driving distance.

[Soonerus]

casino yes....

[Urbanized]

There are a number of magazines targeted at visitors that are distributed in hotels and elsewhere in the city. You probably don't see them because, well, they're targeted at visitors.

The racks of booklets (actually mostly rack CARDS), are found all over the metro, in pretty much every hotel. Most are filled by a company called Certified Folder. Attractions pay for placement in the racks and specify locations. I believe the current hotel count for certified in the OKC metro is well over 100.

Rack cards are also in all of the welcome centers statewide, run by the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. The welcome centers distribute attraction rack cards free of charge to the attractions, if provided.

There are other ways rack cards get to visitors, including through the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau. They have them in their entry, plus at the Cox Center during conferences and conventions. They actually have a mini welcome center at Cox Center, and also have a similar one at the airport. They have a cool little rack card truck that goes all over the city to events like the Women's College World Series, Big 12 hoop and baseball, rowing events, horse shows and the like. The CVB has staff that travel all over the country, attending group and consumer travel shows to promote group and leisure travel to OKC.

Other organizations have rack card distribution. In addition to the ones on the interstates, the state Tourism and Recreation department has a welcome-center-type setup inside the First National center arcade downtown. Like the CVB, they also distribute at travel shows and events, traveling nationally to do so.

Another group that promotes travel and tourism in central Oklahoma is the Frontier Country Marketing Association, tasked with promoting the 12 central counties in Oklahoma. More focused on this area than the state tourism office, but covering a broader area than the CVB; from Norman to Stillwater, and from El Reno to Shawnee.

Also, most if not all of the attractions in Oklahoma City's Adventure District have rack card racks and reciprocal agreements with each other and selected other attractions in the metro.

I would encourage you to click on those links and click through to the actual websites of the attractions listed. I think you may be shocked by just how much OKC ALREADY has to offer to visitors. Most people in OKC have no earthly idea how many visitors the metro attracts. It is a massive economic engine for Oklahoma City, thoroughly under-appreciated by locals as such. But that is par for the course; most cities' residents have no real appreciation for the attractions in their own hometowns. It is human nature to overlook them, and disbelieve when told that other people are fascinated with their respective cities.

You have to think like a visitor. For instance, visitors are blown away by a National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum that has undergone tens of millions in expansion and renovation and houses the finest collection of Western art in the world. Locals, on the other hand, typically dismiss the same museum, remembering visiting a much more modest version as a schoolchild 30 years ago. Visitors are FASCINATED by Route 66, and old west, and Indian stuff. They are blown away by the museums in the metro. From what I have heard, we have more AAM accredited museums per capita than any city in America.

They usually comment that it is one of the cleanest they've ever seen. They comment that it is incredibly easy to get around in. They are amazed that they barely need a car when they visit, provided they stay downtown (I'm being totally serious here). They love Bricktown and the canal. They're floored by our zoo. The Memorial. The Chihuly at the Art museum. The huge, important collection of French Impressionist work the Fred Jones Jr. Art Museum in Norman. The world-class Sam Noble Museum in Norman. The Oklahoma History Center and Oklahoma Heritage Museum in OKC, both basically brand new.

"Interesting" is all in your perspective. You have to look at it through a different set of eyes to truly appreciate what a great visitor destination OKC ALREADY is. And if you don't, that's OK, because again it is VISITORS that are being targeted here. And they love it. Seriously.

[lasomeday]

Definitely no on the Casino. I don't want a Riverwind in Bricktown. I don't think we need that kind of tourism downtown. Now if it was like the Wynn in Vegas that would be different, but we all know that will never happen.

I think that an aquarium would be awesome. Maybe a place that had buffalos that would be a good exhibit. The Wichita Mountains may be too far away, but that is a great destination.

Stockyard City is almost a destination. I think people from out of town would like to go there. Especially if they are from the East Coast. The Paseo is great too.

[mugofbeer]

I think OKC needs another 2 major employers with local roots to help Devon and Chesapeake fund philanthropic projects, 10-20 years of maturity and continued improvements on the OK River and the Myriad Gardens, 10-20 more years of redevelopment of the older parts of town, the completion of the central park and significant residential development around it. More people downtown will create more organic development nearby. Some method of discouraging rampant suburban sprawl and focus on growing inward. MAPS2forKIDS to focus on the acedemics of OKC public schools so people will be attracted into town and not as much to the suburbs.

[Larry OKC]

Mug: We were supposed to have gotten vastly improved performance with MAPS 4 Kids, but it hasn't happened yet. Are you suggesting pouring even more money into it?

The only way I see urban sprawl reversing itself is if the City were to deannex (but surrounding communities would probably annex and the sprawl would still be there, just not part of OKC city limits)

Or making the core of the city more like the areas people moved out to. Unfortunately, that would mean more suburbanization of the urban areas and we all know how well that would go over with most on these threads.

[decepticobra]

I just came back from a road trip to PCB, FL, and it got me thinking...what does OKC need to do in order to bring more tourists in?

If I knew very little about OKC, I'd want to visit the OKC National Memorial, but after that, what else can I do in OKC, and how and where can I easily pick up useful (time, place, etc.) information about things to do or recommendations of places to eat in OKC?

For ex., in PCB, whether you eat at a restaurant, visit a museum, or rent a boat, within that place, there are numerous booklets full of advertisements and ideas on what you can do or places to eat in PCB. Does OKC have anything like this or do you know if they will implement anything like this in the near future?

the main problem with okc is that much of its flair is dependant on the imagery of the state of oklahoma as a whole. that is, when people from other places who have never been here try to imagine what oklahoma city is like, they automatically tend to falsely incorporate other images that are known to the state overall as a whole, since they lack knowledge to any imagery of what oklahoma city itself is like.

most of these images are rural depictions of agricultural lifestyles and farming. typical of rural midwestern america.

in the eyes of the outside world, the only thing oklahoma city specifically is known for is the oklahoma city bombing, and prior to that tragedy, many people in other parts of the country honestly thought we still commuted on horse drawn covered wagons.

san francisco has its golden gate bridge, new york has lady liberty. chicago has the sears tower, so i guess in addition to being known for a great tragedy, we also need a recognizable icon and perhaps that may come with the oversized Devon Tower, which will tower high above the rest of our skyline. A definitive beacon echoing for many miles down opposite stretches of I-40.

perhaps that will be enough to strike up the curiosity of transient tourists to exit off of I-40 and spend their time (and money) in Bricktown.

[decepticobra]

Definitely no on the Casino. I don't want a Riverwind in Bricktown. I don't think we need that kind of tourism downtown. Now if it was like the Wynn in Vegas that would be different, but we all know that will never happen.

I think that an aquarium would be awesome. Maybe a place that had buffalos that would be a good exhibit. The Wichita Mountains may be too far away, but that is a great destination.

Stockyard City is almost a destination. I think people from out of town would like to go there. Especially if they are from the East Coast. The Paseo is great too.

having a vegas wynn-style/class casino in downtown okc would be worse than having riverwind downtown. debaucheries arent always desirable.

[decepticobra]

Pcb?

Panama City Beach, FL

[Larry OKC]

the main problem with okc is that much of its flair is dependant on the imagery of the state of oklahoma as a whole. that is, when people from other places who have never been here try to imagine what oklahoma city is like, they automatically tend to falsely incorporate other images that are known to the state overall as a whole, since they lack knowledge to any imagery of what oklahoma city itself is like.

most of these images are rural depictions of agricultural lifestyles and farming. typical of rural midwestern america.

in the eyes of the outside world, the only thing oklahoma city specifically is known for is the oklahoma city bombing, and prior to that tragedy, many people in other parts of the country honestly thought we still commuted on horse drawn covered wagons.

san francisco has its golden gate bridge, new york has lady liberty. chicago has the sears tower, so i guess in addition to being known for a great tragedy, we also need a recognizable icon and perhaps that may come with the oversized Devon Tower, which will tower high above the rest of our skyline. A definitive beacon echoing for many miles down opposite stretches of I-40.

perhaps that will be enough to strike up the curiosity of transient tourists to exit off of I-40 and spend their time (and money) in Bricktown.

Unfortunately the relocated I-40 is partially below grade (was supposed to be completely below grade) and I read where there are going to be retaining walls/bearms along it, effectively making it below grade so about the only thing they will be able to see is the Devon Tower. But don't forget the impressive and unique Skydancer Bridge.

While more aesthetically pleasing to look at from the residents point of view, it takes away people passing thru from seeing your City like they could with the elevated crosstown.

[Dustin]

in the eyes of the outside world, the only thing oklahoma city specifically is known for is the oklahoma city bombing, and prior to that tragedy, many people in other parts of the country honestly thought we still commuted on horse drawn covered wagons.

I highly doubt they still think this.. If they do then they are very closed minded and highly uneducated. Makes you wonder if they think the same about cities in Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska, etc.

[Larry OKC]

They probably do...the State Chamber did a study before the Centennial and discovered that most had NO opinion about Oklahoma. A blank slate. There were some that had negative preconceived notions (Grapes of Wrath type stuff and weather related) but again, most had NO opinion. That creates a tremendous opportunity, you can make it whatever you want (without having to overcome many of the negatives, actual or perceived).

Even the Mayor and Kevin Durant alluded to OKC being known for the bombing tragedy and little on the positive side.

[mugofbeer]

Mug: We were supposed to have gotten vastly improved performance with MAPS 4 Kids, but it hasn't happened yet. Are you suggesting pouring even more money into it?

The only way I see urban sprawl reversing itself is if the City were to deannex (but surrounding communities would probably annex and the sprawl would still be there, just not part of OKC city limits)

Or making the core of the city more like the areas people moved out to. Unfortunately, that would mean more suburbanization of the urban areas and we all know how well that would go over with most on these threads.

Larry, MAPS4KIDS wasn't to directly improve the acedemics and performance of the school children but was to provide money for a large-scale program to improve and replace the schools themselves. Having a better learning environment can go a long way to indirectly helping but the schools are still short on supplies, modern equipment, security, sports quality and top quality teaching. OKC public schools had not had significant money for capital improvements in 40 years and this was an overdue program.

Yes, I am talking about more money for OKC public schools and yes, I am sure there are significant efficiencies that could be made at the schools so in a perfect world you would see both happen. OKC will never be a great city until and unless people want to move here and live here. I'll remind you of the 3 laws of real estate, location, location, location. Quality schools are part of rules 1-3. Before people will "desire" to live in the older parts of OKC, the schools have to be improved - especially at the Middle and HIgh school levels.

Deannex? I'd certainly be open to it in areas that likely won't see development for decades such as far southwest and far southeast OKC as well as far NE. If Edmond wanted to annex more land or Shawnee or Mustang then fine, let them. In the meantime it would mean better services for those people and OKC would be better able to provide services.

Your third paragraph didn't make sense to me - how redevelopment and renovations of the older parts of the city equal "suburbanization." In areas such as Crown Heights or Mesta Park, no, you don't want people coming in and tearing down houses and building suburban homes. In many other areas, sure, let them. The city can outline areas to be preserved and areas where they can be renovated within specific guidelines.

[betts]

I don't think a lot of people get off the highway based on what they see from their cars. First of all, the majority of people from other places who are in moving vehicles are truckers. I don't think they'll care whether they can see anything iconic or not. The majority of people who visit a city fly there or drive there deliberately, rather than stopping on a whim based on what they see from their cars. It's far better to have people planning to stop based on things they've read or heard about Oklahoma City, with it a scheduled stop on a cross-country trip.

What we need, really, is to have Oklahoma City and its attractions featured in magazines, be it Southern Living, which does a lot of articles featuring a city, it's attractions and restaurants, travel magazines or airline magazines. The airline magazines are read by people all over the country, and a spread in one of them would go a long way. I think a lot of this is going to happen, as we finish the Native American Cultural Center and the boathouses along the river. We will then have multiple things for people to do if they come to visit. The National Cowboy Museum and the Native American Cultural Center will feed off each other, and will have huge appeal for people interested in the American West. It's an era that still has a surprising amount of appeal for people, and I have no problem using it as a draw. Then, Stockyards City becomes a natural segue from those two attractions. For people who are simply interested in entertainment of any sort, the river, the zoo, our golf courses, they myriad types of sports you will be able to see in OKC will be a draw.

The more restaurants of different types for different price ranges we have in concentrated parts of town like Bricktown and downtown, coupled with a range of hotels, the easier it will be for people to visit.

And, the final key to it all is the streetcar. Perhaps once it is complete, we can use our trolleys to frequently and reliably be at the end of the line to take people to the river, or Stockyards City or the Adventure District. This is where I could see them being really useful: instead of a way to move around downtown, with confusing routes, they would do very well as a shuttle to a known destination like one of the above.

[OKCMallen]

Casino downtown definitely. It's certainly not any worse than all the drunks on a Saturday night. And done right, it COULD be like the Wynn. (Not nearly as nice, of course, but with special attention to Vegas-style amenities.)

[metro]

Pcb?

Panama City Beach.

Also I have to echo what Urbanized said. I've seen them all over the metro, mainly at touristy places, hotels, Tener's, Bricktown canal (just outside Mickey Mantles by that little kiosk). Don't forget there is also the OKCCVB and Frontier Country office fronts downtown as well. I think we do an OK job at this, but of course we could continue to do better and place these in more DT and Adventure District businesses.

[adaniel]

A really good way to boost tourism in this area would be to make improvements to Frontier City. With Bell's in Tulsa in limbo, and the closing of a theme park up in Wichita, Froniter City is really the only place between Amarillo and Little Rock, and Kansas City and Dallas you can ride a roller coaster. Based on that fact alone it could be made into something really special. Its a shame the owners of it (whoever that might be) can't see that.

I'll probably get flamed for this, but I would cringe at casinos in downtown OKC. For one, it will probably never happen due to no claims in Central OK. But even if one of the tribes could get come land put in trust near downtown it would be a disaster. Remember casinos owned by tribes pay no property tax and except in a few instances no sales tax. Yet they weigh heavily on city services. Sure some of the tribes have paid for some infrastructure improvements around their casinos but its more a "make nice" move rather than anything they are required to do. Plus all of the clubs and restaraunts that could open up inside a casino would probably be the end of Bricktown as an entertainment district. I've heard a lot of grumbling from some Tulsans that the casinos have been a curse because of how $$ goes into these casinos and never really gets recycled into the local economy, either through taxes or businesses with the casinos (most of them do business with tribal companies, which often times are nowhere near the casino itself).

A casino done up really nice could be a big draw. But all of the BS that would come with it would not be worth it. There's a reason that cities only in the most desparate straights (Biloxi, Shreveport, Atlantic City, even Detroit) will turn to casinos. OKC may have its issues but I wouldn't call us desparate. Personally, the new Native American Museum going up on the river will be a much better momument to our indian population than some gaudy casino.

[OKCRT]

Definitely no on the Casino. I don't want a Riverwind in Bricktown. I don't think we need that kind of tourism downtown. Now if it was like the Wynn in Vegas that would be different, but we all know that will never happen.

I think that an aquarium would be awesome. Maybe a place that had buffalos that would be a good exhibit. The Wichita Mountains may be too far away, but that is a great destination.

Stockyard City is almost a destination. I think people from out of town would like to go there. Especially if they are from the East Coast. The Paseo is great too.

Something like the $500 mil. project that was proposed out by Remington would be nice downtown. It doesn't have to be in bricktown but somewhere along the riverfront would do it.People are taking their money to Shawnee , Norman , El Reno and other areas and OKC is being left out. Seems pretty foolish to me NOT to put a nice casino in downtown.