Among many economic engines that drive the city of  Tulsa is the travel and tourism industry.

In 2007, the economic impact of travel on Tulsa was $1.4 billion. The hospitality industry is Tulsa’s third largest employer, with more than 25,000 employees and 13,000 hotel rooms comprising a variety of lodging establishments.

It is estimated that, without the travel and tourism dollars spent by visitors to Tulsa, every Tulsa family would be burdened with an additional $380 in annual taxes to maintain the current level of tax receipts.

Many of the hotels in Tulsa belong to the Tulsa Hotel & Lodging Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality lodging facilities for Tulsa-bound visitors and the educational needs of its members, as well as supporting many community efforts through work with the United Way, First Tee Foundation and Food for Families Drive.

The association membership is known for its leadership roles within the community. The need for industry education and helping others to fulfill their desire to work in the industry has lead several of the THLA board members to serve on advisory committees such as the Lodging Management Program and Pro Start Culinary programs at Nathan Hale High School and Hospitality & Gaming Operations program at Tulsa Community College. Industry leaders work closely with the Convention & Visitors Bureau, now VisitTulsa, to attract major events to Tulsa.

In addition to sales tax, the local hotels collect a lodging tax that funds VisitTulsa, debit on the Convention Center and efforts to promote travel and tourism to our city. Without this fund, they would not be able to attract tourism to the city that in turn has a lasting economic impact on many industries.

“Tulsa’s impact by the economic downturn has been minimal compared to the rest of the country, and we are optimistic that 2010 will continue to see an increase over last year,” said Lacey Lamm, vice president of Packard Hospitality Group, general manager of Hilton Southern Hills and former president of THLA. “Along with the partnership with VisitTulsa, we continue a strong focus on attracting the right business for our city.”

THLA has been a large supporter of investment in downtown for many years and through several failed tax initiatives. We are excited to see that the community has invested in our future and embraced the BOK Center, new ballroom and upgrades to the Convention Center and Oneok Field.

Michael Frimel is executive vice president of the Coury Collection of Fine Hotels, general manager of Hotel Ambassador and president of THLA.