Mark your calendars for the inaugural @route66roadfest with @AAAOklahoma this summer, June 18-19 in OKC and June 25-26 in Tulsa. #OK66 https://t.co/GjyhwwImamMark your calendars for the inaugural @route66roadfest with @AAAOklahoma this summer, June 18-19 in OKC and June 25-26 in Tulsa. #OK66 https://t.co/GjyhwwImam
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 31, 2022
RT @rhysfunk: Beautiful new #Route66 signage at Fire Station 66 in east #Tulsa! Two signs were donated to the City from Jim Norton (formerly Route 66) Chevrolet. The other one is at Fire Station 4, which sits on the historic road downtown. #OK66 #Oklahoma https://t.co/7WZDTWKA7sRT @rhysfunk: Beautiful new #Route66 signage at Fire Station 66 in east #Tulsa! Two signs were donated to the City from Jim Norton (formerly Route 66) Chevrolet. The other one is at Fire Station 4, which sits on the historic road downtown. #OK66 #Oklahoma https://t.co/7WZDTWKA7s
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 29, 2022
Congrats, Cierra! Helping close that skills gap in Oklahoma one graduate at a time- it’s what @okcareertech does. 💪👏 https://t.co/uh3tpiqYSACongrats, Cierra! Helping close that skills gap in Oklahoma one graduate at a time- it’s what @okcareertech does. 💪👏 https://t.co/uh3tpiqYSA
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 29, 2022
Our newest restaurant (@FoggyBottomOK) at Robbers Cave State Park is coming along nicely. My directive as Secretary of Tourism was to work towards being a Top 10 State Park system nationally. I believe we’re on our way. Follow @OklahomaParks for more updates. https://t.co/BclkMNHxMDOur newest restaurant (@FoggyBottomOK) at Robbers Cave State Park is coming along nicely. My directive as Secretary of Tourism was to work towards being a Top 10 State Park system nationally. I believe we’re on our way. Follow @OklahomaParks for more updates. https://t.co/BclkMNHxMD
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 28, 2022
Thank you, Malachi! #MoreStartupsPlease https://t.co/eblaKx0IsZThank you, Malachi! #MoreStartupsPlease https://t.co/eblaKx0IsZ
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 27, 2022
RT @GovStitt: Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. To fight a tragic rise in antisemitic crime, I'm signing a proclamation adopting @TheIHRA's working definition of antisemitism as a tool for identifying and speaking out against antisemitism. Read more: https://t.co/UptJ9an8aURT @GovStitt: Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. To fight a tragic rise in antisemitic crime, I'm signing a proclamation adopting @TheIHRA's working definition of antisemitism as a tool for identifying and speaking out against antisemitism. Read more: https://t.co/UptJ9an8aU
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 27, 2022
Congrats and thank you to these nine amazing Oklahoma families. We appreciate you! #OklaProud https://t.co/0J13lozVPMCongrats and thank you to these nine amazing Oklahoma families. We appreciate you! #OklaProud https://t.co/0J13lozVPM
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 26, 2022
Thank you, @jmnance, for helping us Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, and create positive first impressions of our state. Sign up to help us out! 👇 https://t.co/05SXWYj7wYThank you, @jmnance, for helping us Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, and create positive first impressions of our state. Sign up to help us out! 👇 https://t.co/05SXWYj7wY
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 26, 2022
I’m so proud of the job our Dept. of Tourism has done navigating these past two years. On this #PlanForVacation Day, download the 2022 Oklahoma Travel Guide and keep those sales tax dollars in our state. https://t.co/PLyVwrYYzPI’m so proud of the job our Dept. of Tourism has done navigating these past two years. On this #PlanForVacation Day, download the 2022 Oklahoma Travel Guide and keep those sales tax dollars in our state. https://t.co/PLyVwrYYzP
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 25, 2022
@imahobapeace It literally only says “Welcome to Oklahoma.”@imahobapeace It literally only says “Welcome to Oklahoma.”
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 24, 2022
@imahobapeace That was a department of tourism campaign and was on the license plate for awhile (which was great), but it’s not our state motto. Our state motto is still Labor Omnia Vincit.@imahobapeace That was a department of tourism campaign and was on the license plate for awhile (which was great), but it’s not our state motto. Our state motto is still Labor Omnia Vincit.
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 24, 2022
@Phoebesrealmom Well, we have over 50 Craft Breweries now when they come back to visit!@Phoebesrealmom Well, we have over 50 Craft Breweries now when they come back to visit!
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 24, 2022
@SoonerSower @robertashley Our Native America tourism branding efforts are a big reason people visit Oklahoma, yes. And I’m thankful our sovereigns are investing in Tourism in the state- Choctaw Country and Chickasaw Country are a couple good examples.@SoonerSower @robertashley Our Native America tourism branding efforts are a big reason people visit Oklahoma, yes. And I’m thankful our sovereigns are investing in Tourism in the state- Choctaw Country and Chickasaw Country are a couple good examples.
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 24, 2022
@FortDad13 I’m trying man, I talk about NW Arkansas trails too much. Lots of good things happening on that front in multiple OK towns though.@FortDad13 I’m trying man, I talk about NW Arkansas trails too much. Lots of good things happening on that front in multiple OK towns though.
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 24, 2022
@GusChigginsOK I don’t think it’s a stretch. From having 39 sovereign nations inside one state, more miles of Route 66 than any state, to the Chisholm trail, Black Wall Street, Land Run, etc. It’s pretty hard to beat.@GusChigginsOK I don’t think it’s a stretch. From having 39 sovereign nations inside one state, more miles of Route 66 than any state, to the Chisholm trail, Black Wall Street, Land Run, etc. It’s pretty hard to beat.
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 24, 2022
No state can match OK’s heritage & history, & the Chisolm Trail is one reason why. Between 1867 & 1871, about 1,500,000 head of cattle passed through OK on this trail. Now, thanks to US House Bill 2512, the Chisholm Trail is on its way to designation as a national historic trail. https://t.co/BH7BUJx4SUNo state can match OK’s heritage & history, & the Chisolm Trail is one reason why. Between 1867 & 1871, about 1,500,000 head of cattle passed through OK on this trail. Now, thanks to US House Bill 2512, the Chisholm Trail is on its way to designation as a national historic trail. https://t.co/BH7BUJx4SU
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 24, 2022
RT @TulsaTeresa: This is Oklahoma. Sunset from the top of Mt. Scott. Get outside and enjoy the beauty of our great state! https://t.co/boH6Op9HJSRT @TulsaTeresa: This is Oklahoma. Sunset from the top of Mt. Scott. Get outside and enjoy the beauty of our great state! https://t.co/boH6Op9HJS
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 22, 2022
@BethpageGirl Right! #TravelOK@BethpageGirl Right! #TravelOK
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 22, 2022
@jhicks869 Excellent news!@jhicks869 Excellent news!
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 22, 2022
@petroallianceOK @OKEnergyToday 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸@petroallianceOK @OKEnergyToday 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 21, 2022
Couple notable figures: Hotel Lodging, per STR data, was higher for the month of December than any other December since 2015. Hotel Lodging numbers since June, with the exception of August, have all been higher than 2019 numbers. So moving in right direction.Couple notable figures: Hotel Lodging, per STR data, was higher for the month of December than any other December since 2015. Hotel Lodging numbers since June, with the exception of August, have all been higher than 2019 numbers. So moving in right direction.
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 21, 2022
Exciting news! OK’s tourism industry brought $7.1 billion to the state in 2020. During a time when many felt safer outside, out-of-state travelers came to experience the beauty of our great outdoors. The money made by tourism goes right back into the state and has a huge impact. https://t.co/ElPsdlKzQWExciting news! OK’s tourism industry brought $7.1 billion to the state in 2020. During a time when many felt safer outside, out-of-state travelers came to experience the beauty of our great outdoors. The money made by tourism goes right back into the state and has a huge impact. https://t.co/ElPsdlKzQW
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 21, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Mariah.Carter@ltgov.ok.gov
New research from Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department shows state brought in estimated 17 million visitors in 2020, increasing its share of the domestic travel market to 1.9%.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – In a year in which the COVID-19 pandemic caused upheaval throughout the travel sector, the Oklahoma travel and tourism industry increased its market share of domestic travel and generated $7.1 billion in direct spending by visitors, according to new research by the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department.
Oklahoma brought in an estimated 17 million visitors in 2020, a 17% drop from the previous year, but the number was substantially less than the 34% drop in domestic travel that the United States endured. The state's share of the domestic travel market
OTRD: OKLAHOMA TOURISM INCREASES MARKET SHARE, GENERATES $7.1 BILLION IN SPENDING IN 2020 from Newsroom
Thank you, @IMMYdiagnostics! https://t.co/HIQJlvpyj8Thank you, @IMMYdiagnostics! https://t.co/HIQJlvpyj8
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 21, 2022
Great talk with the @okfarmbureau board. This group of leaders is working hard to plan their Leadership Conference, which is less than a month away. I appreciate them taking the time to discuss ag policy with me. Supporting OK farm & ranch families will always be a top priority. https://t.co/uIFMp8UC7CGreat talk with the @okfarmbureau board. This group of leaders is working hard to plan their Leadership Conference, which is less than a month away. I appreciate them taking the time to discuss ag policy with me. Supporting OK farm & ranch families will always be a top priority. https://t.co/uIFMp8UC7C
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 20, 2022
Last week, I met with leaders from Yukon, Warr Acres, and Bethany to discuss new tourism experiences that will bring more visitors to Oklahoma. There are great things (and more sales tax revenue) on the horizon for our state. #TravelOK https://t.co/g9gBkuIfMMLast week, I met with leaders from Yukon, Warr Acres, and Bethany to discuss new tourism experiences that will bring more visitors to Oklahoma. There are great things (and more sales tax revenue) on the horizon for our state. #TravelOK https://t.co/g9gBkuIfMM
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 20, 2022
Come check out one of the most innovative new towns in America at @CarltonLanding. #TravelOK https://t.co/fEYbGRjhKKCome check out one of the most innovative new towns in America at @CarltonLanding. #TravelOK https://t.co/fEYbGRjhKK
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 19, 2022
@OklaCrimJustice You bet. (A pod is a podcast, right?)@OklaCrimJustice You bet. (A pod is a podcast, right?)
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 19, 2022
Thank you, @MoorePolice. https://t.co/BO1JmxZ4D7Thank you, @MoorePolice. https://t.co/BO1JmxZ4D7
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 19, 2022
I spoke at the Hinton Chamber Banquet & was so encouraged by this town’s dedication to growth & economic development. Hinton’s fascinating Native American history, proximity to Route 66, & rugged cliffs, canyons, & trails make it one of Oklahoma’s greatest hidden gems. Go visit! https://t.co/PDwCqM0kiwI spoke at the Hinton Chamber Banquet & was so encouraged by this town’s dedication to growth & economic development. Hinton’s fascinating Native American history, proximity to Route 66, & rugged cliffs, canyons, & trails make it one of Oklahoma’s greatest hidden gems. Go visit! https://t.co/PDwCqM0kiw
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 18, 2022
We’re so proud of Coach Martin! #jpsexcellence #JenksPS #oklaed https://t.co/pVYbj1UbWsWe’re so proud of Coach Martin! #jpsexcellence #JenksPS #oklaed https://t.co/pVYbj1UbWs
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 18, 2022
@princellasmith @hillcienda @davidfholt @GovStitt Thank you, @princellasmith.@princellasmith @hillcienda @davidfholt @GovStitt Thank you, @princellasmith.
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 17, 2022
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” Still my favorite. Covers so much ground, and so desperately needed today. #MLKDay https://t.co/X3f0BB9tsN“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” Still my favorite. Covers so much ground, and so desperately needed today. #MLKDay https://t.co/X3f0BB9tsN
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 17, 2022
@tommechler Thank you, Chairman.@tommechler Thank you, Chairman.
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 17, 2022
We can’t wait to get the Threatt Filling Station fully restored. Great coverage in Fast Company. #TravelOK https://t.co/yhw42s8UsKWe can’t wait to get the Threatt Filling Station fully restored. Great coverage in Fast Company. #TravelOK https://t.co/yhw42s8UsK
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 16, 2022
@maxabmas https://t.co/New6Rc7Qw9@maxabmas https://t.co/New6Rc7Qw9
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 16, 2022
A Route 66 themed Chamber banquet? Of course I’ll keynote. See you soon, Hinton. #OK66 https://t.co/XzeMp1L6SFA Route 66 themed Chamber banquet? Of course I’ll keynote. See you soon, Hinton. #OK66 https://t.co/XzeMp1L6SF
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 15, 2022
3 years ago today, I was sworn-in as the 17th Lt. Gov. of Oklahoma. Laying my hand on the Bible and taking the oath was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. Serving in this role is an honor, and I wake up each day committed to leading our state toward a better future. https://t.co/Lr6mPV93yD3 years ago today, I was sworn-in as the 17th Lt. Gov. of Oklahoma. Laying my hand on the Bible and taking the oath was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. Serving in this role is an honor, and I wake up each day committed to leading our state toward a better future. https://t.co/Lr6mPV93yD
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 14, 2022
I spoke with the @YukonChamber about Oklahoma's tourism industry and its mutually beneficial relationship with small businesses. Located on #Route66, this community is committed to promoting the road, and it’s paying off in big sales tax revenue. Way to go, Yukon! #OklaProud https://t.co/UgAWYgRQbII spoke with the @YukonChamber about Oklahoma's tourism industry and its mutually beneficial relationship with small businesses. Located on #Route66, this community is committed to promoting the road, and it’s paying off in big sales tax revenue. Way to go, Yukon! #OklaProud https://t.co/UgAWYgRQbI
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 14, 2022
Big shout out to the Cherokee Nation on this. The Boys & Girls Club (along with other before and after school programs) is truly life changing. https://t.co/FWKXIuLwQIBig shout out to the Cherokee Nation on this. The Boys & Girls Club (along with other before and after school programs) is truly life changing. https://t.co/FWKXIuLwQI
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 14, 2022
Got to meet Oklahoman and 2020 Amateur National Motocross Champion Kade Nightingale yesterday at Jandebeur's MotorSports Park in Okmulgee. This popular track is training up national champions right here in Oklahoma. We’re proud of you, Kade! #OklaProud https://t.co/iDYWQAViz0Got to meet Oklahoman and 2020 Amateur National Motocross Champion Kade Nightingale yesterday at Jandebeur's MotorSports Park in Okmulgee. This popular track is training up national champions right here in Oklahoma. We’re proud of you, Kade! #OklaProud https://t.co/iDYWQAViz0
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 13, 2022
Great meeting today with the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority. In less than 2 years, Exec Director Shannon Clark brought the agency out of a $1.4 million debt. Under Clark’s leadership, OCCJA is doing an excellent job protecting Okmulgee County & saving taxpayer dollars https://t.co/frxhyUumsbGreat meeting today with the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority. In less than 2 years, Exec Director Shannon Clark brought the agency out of a $1.4 million debt. Under Clark’s leadership, OCCJA is doing an excellent job protecting Okmulgee County & saving taxpayer dollars https://t.co/frxhyUumsb
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 12, 2022
The Milk Bottle Grocery in OKC is a must see. Constructed in 1930, this tiny grocery sits at an old streetcar stop on the original alignment of Rt. 66. The milk bottle on top is a funky advertising gimmick that's captured the attention of travelers for decades. #NationalMilkDay https://t.co/fE8QjsSgLVThe Milk Bottle Grocery in OKC is a must see. Constructed in 1930, this tiny grocery sits at an old streetcar stop on the original alignment of Rt. 66. The milk bottle on top is a funky advertising gimmick that's captured the attention of travelers for decades. #NationalMilkDay https://t.co/fE8QjsSgLV
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 11, 2022
@Farmers05 @gtbynum @davidfholt Thank you for all your hard work! You made a real difference in this community and for FC Tulsa. Appreciate you! #fortulsa@Farmers05 @gtbynum @davidfholt Thank you for all your hard work! You made a real difference in this community and for FC Tulsa. Appreciate you! #fortulsa
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 10, 2022
I gave an Oklahoma tourism update at the OSAE lunch. To summarize: our tourism industry is growing, and we’re all reaping the benefits. The billions of dollars this industry generates are invested right back into the state. You can’t beat an investment like that! #TravelOK https://t.co/NGhQrcDzgJI gave an Oklahoma tourism update at the OSAE lunch. To summarize: our tourism industry is growing, and we’re all reaping the benefits. The billions of dollars this industry generates are invested right back into the state. You can’t beat an investment like that! #TravelOK https://t.co/NGhQrcDzgJ
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 10, 2022
Want to support law enforcement in Oklahoma on this National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day? Shop local. Your sales tax dollars make sure local communities can pay for police and fire departments. #ShopLocal = safe communities. #BackTheBlueWant to support law enforcement in Oklahoma on this National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day? Shop local. Your sales tax dollars make sure local communities can pay for police and fire departments. #ShopLocal = safe communities. #BackTheBlue
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 9, 2022
Beef producers have come from across North America to showcase livestock and network at Oklahoma's 2022 Cattlemen's Congress. This world class cattle show had record breaking National Sales last year and is expected to have an even bigger economic impact this year. Don’t miss it! https://t.co/Dpch3rRSmMBeef producers have come from across North America to showcase livestock and network at Oklahoma's 2022 Cattlemen's Congress. This world class cattle show had record breaking National Sales last year and is expected to have an even bigger economic impact this year. Don’t miss it! https://t.co/Dpch3rRSmM
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 7, 2022
RT @VisitNormanTMW: Lunch with #OSAE and @LtGovPinnell who stated that “Oklahoma has more diverse tourism offerings than any other state.” ⭐️ (Proof? Visitation to our state parks increased by 2.5 million people last year!) @OklahomaParks @VisitNorman https://t.co/IPDhrATzQaRT @VisitNormanTMW: Lunch with #OSAE and @LtGovPinnell who stated that “Oklahoma has more diverse tourism offerings than any other state.” ⭐️ (Proof? Visitation to our state parks increased by 2.5 million people last year!) @OklahomaParks @VisitNorman https://t.co/IPDhrATzQa
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 7, 2022
Frame that freedom. 🇺🇸 #EnergyforAll https://t.co/B4bVZEuEFJFrame that freedom. 🇺🇸 #EnergyforAll https://t.co/B4bVZEuEFJ
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 7, 2022
This year, thanks to a carefully managed portfolio, our Commissioners of the Land team was able to allocate more than $116 million in funding to Oklahoma schools. Check out our 2021 Annual Report to learn more. https://t.co/s64Qq18hKlThis year, thanks to a carefully managed portfolio, our Commissioners of the Land team was able to allocate more than $116 million in funding to Oklahoma schools. Check out our 2021 Annual Report to learn more. https://t.co/s64Qq18hKl
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 6, 2022
RT @OCAST: It's a new year and we have new episodes of the Oklahoma Innovate That podcast hosted by @ltgovpinnell. Tomorrow we drop a new episode with guest Katy Boren, from @okcinnovation. You can find it on PodBean, Apple, Spotify & your other favorite podcast channels. #InnovateThat https://t.co/c0FmHdPVRHRT @OCAST: It's a new year and we have new episodes of the Oklahoma Innovate That podcast hosted by @ltgovpinnell. Tomorrow we drop a new episode with guest Katy Boren, from @okcinnovation. You can find it on PodBean, Apple, Spotify & your other favorite podcast channels. #InnovateThat https://t.co/c0FmHdPVRH
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) Jan 5, 2022
