DUNCAN — Tourism’s impact on Oklahoma took center stage this week, both at the state level and for local promoters of the area.

The 2009 Governor’s Conference on Tourism was held in Tulsa and Lois Dawn Jones, with Duncan Tourism and Convention Center, attended the two-day event.

“Overall for the state of Oklahoma, tourism is now the third largest economic impact driver in the state,” Jones said Wednesday. “We have more and more people realizing that Oklahoma is very diverse, from tribal nations to the diverse ecosystems.”

She also noted that the state showed an increase from $5.3 billion in 2007, to $6.1 billion, of tourism spending. Much of that is from Oklahomans, based on a study of domestic tourism, or what Jones terms “stay-tations.”

“What that means is that other states in the country are not faring as well. We have one of the most diverse ecosystems. Oklahoma is a fantastic deal for a economic price.”

In the study released Tuesday by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department during the Governor’s Conference, it showed that Stephens County received $47.6 million in travel expenditures from domestic travelers during 2008, generating nearly $48 million in payroll income and about 400 jobs.

The county also received more than $2 million in state tax receipts and just under $1 million for local tax receipts, according to the study figures. Stephens County ranked 18th in the state, which has 77 counties.

Comanche County received $146 million, with travel expenditures generating $28 million in payroll and 1.7 thousand jobs. It ranked fourth in the study.

Jones said Oklahoma and Duncan attract international visitors because of its authentic midwest flair and the cultural history it offers.

She said the art and cultural industry in the state is also growing, as is tribal entities. That was one of the things she learned at the tourism conference.

“Besides gaming, tribal nations are diversifying their portfolios, delving into tourism. They are wanting Oklahoma to become the state where people can come and experience that. Oklahoma has 39 tribes and the American Indian Cultural Center being built in Oklahoma City, it will be amazing,” she said.

As for Duncan, she said the marketing plan is to branch out and target bus travel and tour groups.

“Now the timing is right, we want to bring conferences and conventions. If they like what they see they bring their families back. Everything we have to do here is family oriented,” Jones said.

She’s anticipating that by the end of 2010, the economic status will improve and admitted that 2009 was a challenging year for tourism.

The study covered direct domestic travel spending and showed that tourism had a $6.1 billion economic impact in Oklahoma. The findings were released by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

This study marks the first time that direct domestic travel spending has reached more than $6 billion in Oklahoma – an increase of 6.5 percent. Travel-generated employment is also up 2.3 percent with employees earning more than $1.8 billion in payroll income during 2008.

“Tourism is one of Oklahoma’s largest industries – positively impacting towns large and small throughout our state,” said Hardy Watkins, executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

“The Oklahoma Tourism Department is a key component to the vitality of Oklahoma’s tourism industry – implementing promotional and advertising campaigns, as well as providing quality recreational opportunities through our state parks.”

Overall, the research shows that tourism means big business for Oklahoma.

“From generating tax revenue to employing more than 76,000 Oklahomans, the travel and tourism industry is a driving economic force for our state,” said Watkins. “Tourism’s economic impact increased by nearly $1 billion in just two years, demonstrating that the power and momentum of this industry is vital to Oklahoma’s economy.”