Metro Tulsa Hotel & Lodging Association

Hotel Guest Tax

There have been many recent discussions regarding the importance of the proposed hotel guest tax increase. The MTHLA Board has endorsed the proposed 9.9% hotel guest tax that is expected to be on the November ballot. 

A few things to know:

The increase of the hotel guest tax from 5.0% to 9.9% will strengthen Tulsa’s competitive position as a premier convention and entertainment destination.  The tax funds Visit Tulsa destination marketing, BOK Center operations and improvements, and Arvest Convention Center upgrades.  This increase will accelerate debt repayment (for repairs and renovations) and unlock sustained investment in tourism marketing and economic development well into the next decade. 

Per Andrew Hargis, president “The Metro Tulsa Hotel & Lodging Association is proud to support this proposal because it represents a long-term investment in Tulsa's visitor economy. Tourism is one of our city's most powerful economic drivers, and these additional resources generated from the hotel guest tax will help attract more conventions, concerts, and travelers who support local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and small businesses. We appreciate the City Council's willingness to work collaboratively with our industry to develop a funding model that strengthens Tulsa’s venues and tourism for years to come.”

We look forward to working with the City Council, Tulsa Regional Tourism, and other stakeholders to support a positive outcome in the upcoming vote.

Learned at the MTHLA Educational Series in June:

Did you know....In 2026 there are currently 69 Sporting Events scheduled in Tulsa (general, not just sporting events brought to Tulsa by the TSC). These events will have a total of:

•  69,000+ competitors
• 215,000+ attendees
• 3,100 average attendees at each event
• Tulsa Drillers drive these numbers!
• 70,000 estimated room nights
• $96 million economic impact
• Average per event economic impact is $1.3 million

What are the busiest sports months in Tulsa? 

May 19%; March 15%, &  June 15%

We thank Jason for the presentation and Moses Ehambe, general manager of Ascension St. John Sportsplex for hosting us and providing an update and tour of south Tulsa's premier sports facility, Ascension St. John Sportsplex. To read more about that see below:

TULSA'S TOP SPORTS DESTINATION

Ascension St. John Sportsplex has quickly established itself as one of the premier sports facilities in the Tulsa area. Acquired by the FC Tulsa ownership group in 2023, the Sportsplex has been thoughtfully reimagined into a high-performance training environment for FC Tulsa and a central hub for sports, fitness, and community activity across the region. See more about this amazing facility here:  Ascension St. John Sportsplex

 Moses Ehambe, General Manager

For those of you familiar with Tulsa Tech's Frontline Leadership Classes, you will be glad to know a new cohort is starting in August.  See the flyer below for details! 

Frontline Leadership Training Flyer - August 14th 2026 udpated 4.28.26.pdf

The deadline to register is August 14.  There are (10) 4-hour modules, starting on August 18, 2026.

The Summer and Fall Calendar of Meetings & Events is set! See the "Events" page for details and registration/costs per event.  Click below for a copy of the complete calendar.  Please know that it is always in "Draft" form as locations and/or dates are subject to change. There are also a couple of events we are currently sorting out the dates (but the events are listed).

2026 MTHLA CALENDAR Draft.docx

Downtown Tulsa Partnership will be hosting the first quarterly Public Safety Forum of the year next week, Tuesday, February 24, 2:00 PM at Central Library (Aaronson Auditorium). 

Join DTP, Tulsa Police Department, and Tulsa Fire Department for updates regarding public safety initiatives. Business owners, residents, employees, and community members are encouraged to attend and ask questions.

RSVP  HERE   for the February Public Safety Forum, as well as every forum throughout the year below:

February 24, 2026, 2:00 PM

May 19, 2026, 10:00 AM

August 25, 2026, 2:00 PM

November 17, 2026, 10:00 AM

Thank you, and we hope to see you at next week's forum.  FROM:

Daniel Jackson Communications & Engagement Coordinator Downtown Tulsa Partnership 321 S. Boston Avenue, Suite 104  Tulsa, OK 74103 C. 918.991.5898 daniel@downtowntulsa.com DowntownTulsa.com

Free Career Fair for Companies looking for Hospitality Graduates

Wednesday, February 25

2 – 4 p.m.

Verizon Ballroom, Arkansas Union, U of Arkansas

Did you know that the U of Arkansas has a BS in Hospitality Management along with minors in Hospitality Management and Event Management?

With 175 majors and more than 300 minors, enrollment continues to grow at an average rate of 5% annually. Their students are actively seeking internships and full-time employment opportunities, particularly May graduates. Each student graduates with a minimum of 750 hours of hands-on industry experience and earn both the ServSafe Manager Certification and the Certification of Hospitality Analyst (CHIA).

Connect with these students at the Hospitality Career Fair at the U of Arkansas. Last year over 200 students attended, many who are from the Tulsa area, thus, as a Tulsa employer, you may be able to entice a young professional to return home. To get a flyer with a registration link, contact Dr. Kelly Ann Way:  kway@uark.edu

Downtown Tulsa Partnership will be hosting the first quarterly Public Safety Forum of the year on Tuesday, February 24, 2:00 PM at Central Library (Aaronson Auditorium). 

Join DTP, Tulsa Police Department, and Tulsa Fire Department for updates regarding public safety initiatives. Business owners, residents, employees, and community members are encouraged to attend and ask questions.

RSVP here for the February Public Safety Forum, as well as every forum throughout the year below:

February 24, 2026, 2:00 PM

May 19, 2026, 10:00 AM

August 25, 2026, 2:00 PM

November 17, 2026, 10:00 AM

Register to attend:

https://downtowntulsa.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/downtowntulsa/eventRegistration.jsp?event=60

Join the Crew behind the Chrome! 

Be a volunteer with the Tulsa Route 66 Capital Cruise

Memorial Day Weekend 2026

From our partner Sarah E. Inboden, CMP, STS |  Vice President, Experience & Events, Tulsa Regional Tourism an invite to lend our "hospitality expertise" to a fantastic volunteer effort.  

Tulsa’s Route 66 Capital Cruise is more than a parade—it’s a once-in-a-generation, world-record celebration of classic cars, community, and the Mother Road. We’re calling on passionate, dependable volunteers to help bring this historic event to life as Route Captains, Cruise Ambassadors, and Registration & Vendor Ambassadors.
 
Whether you’re leading a section of the route, welcoming guests and drivers, or helping participants get checked in and ready to roll, your role is essential to the success of this record-setting experience. If you enjoy teamwork, high energy, and being part of something unforgettable, we invite you to join the crew behind the chrome. Step in, lend a hand, and help Tulsa make history—one block, one car, one smile at a time.
 

What You’ll Receive as a Volunteer

As a thank-you for being part of this historic, world-record attempt, all approved volunteers will receive a special package to commemorate their role in making history, including:

• Official Volunteer Certificate recognizing your participation in the Guinness World-Record Attempt
• Commemorative Route 66 Capital Cruise Sunglasses
• Official Volunteer T-Shirt to wear with pride on parade day
• Volunteer Swag Bag filled with fun, useful goodies

More than just perks, these are mementos of a moment you helped create—proof that you were part of something truly unforgettable.

Email Keeley Weatherford with factor 110 at keeley@factor110.com to volunteer.

 

This is part of an email from Green Country Tourism, received Dec 31.  If you are not a member of Green Country Tourism, contact Yvonne at Sales@greencountryok.com. Happy New Year from Green Country Tourism!  Now more than ever, it's time to reach potential travelers, and Green Country Tourism is constantly working towards new (and affordable) ways to get eyes on your destination. 2026 Consumer Show Brochure Co-Ops

We are offering to send 100 of your brochures to the following consumer shows for $125 per show.  Please let us know if you would like to participate.  January: Oklahoma City Home & Garden Show January: McAllen Winter Texan Expo, McAllen, Texas February: Chicago RV & Camping Show February: Grove Home & Garden Show March: BassMaster Classic Expo, Knoxville  April: Redcrest Bass Pro Championship, Branson June: AAA Route 66 Road Fest, Tulsa Please email Tanya Andrews at TAndrews@greencountryok.com if you would like to participate.

The 2026 Board of Directors was inducted at the October Annual Meeting. 

Congratulations to incoming President Andrew Hargis, Hyatt Regency, Vice President, Robin Monnot, Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, Secretary Mace Ward, ServPro, Treasurer Ben Guardino, Tulsa Marriott Southern Hills.  Past President Ravi Desai, Rogers County Hospitality rounds out the executive team.  Trisha Kerkstra remains as executive director.