AGP Executive Report

Oklahoma Tourism Boost: The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department says 2025 visitor spending hit nearly $12.8 billion, supporting more than 109,000 jobs statewide. Waterfront Getaways: A new roundup spotlights some of the best waterfront stays in Oklahoma for scenic escapes, with options built for fishing, boating, and relaxing by the water. Road-Trip Fuel Watch: AAA reports gas prices are down for the third straight week, with the national average for regular falling to about $4.13 a gallon. RV-Friendly Stops: Love’s Travel Stops opened an RV-friendly location in Gretna, Florida, adding RV hookups, dumping, and extra truck parking—good news for travelers heading through the I-10 corridor. Local Travel Disruption: Norman’s homeless crisis story takes a turn as the Norman Night Shelter was temporarily shut down for code violations, leaving more than 50 people at risk of sleeping outside. Native History in Tulsa: A Native American boarding school oral history project wraps up in Tulsa, with more participants welcomed and interviews set to be preserved.

Gas Prices: AAA reports Arizona pump prices dropping for a third straight week, with the national average for regular falling to about $4.12 per gallon—good news for Oklahoma road-trippers heading into summer. Route 66 & Travel Culture: Czech Route 66 riders stopped in Oklahoma City during a 17-day Harley tour, underscoring how the Mother Road still draws international travelers. Family Fun Lodging: A national roundup highlights hotels with built-in water parks, including Oklahoma City’s Okana Resort with an indoor water experience. Oklahoma Tourism Numbers: Oklahoma tourism spending hit nearly $12.8B in 2025, supporting more than 109,000 jobs. World Cup Watch in OKC: Oklahoma City fans are gearing up for World Cup games with local watch parties and travel plans to host cities. Air Travel Access: OU is expanding an FAA-approved air traffic controller training pathway to help address staffing shortages affecting efficiency in the skies. Local Sports & Events: Enid Majors opened strong in the Connie Mack State Tournament, and Oklahoma’s college baseball spotlight continues with the Branch brothers reaching the College World Series.

RV travel upgrade: Love’s is expanding RV services at Love’s Truck Care locations via a new partnership with Spartan RV Chassis, offering maintenance packages, chassis inspections, lube service and wheel alignment to Spartan specs, plus its RV Stops network with Wi‑Fi, hookups and app-controlled amenities. Oklahoma tourism numbers: A new report says Oklahoma tourism generated nearly $12.8B in visitor spending in 2025, supporting more than 109,000 jobs. World Cup buzz in OKC: Even without hosting matches, Oklahoma City soccer leaders say FIFA World Cup excitement is driving local interest and travel to matches and events to promote the city’s growing soccer scene. Outdoor/road safety: Oklahoma drivers are being cautioned about road buckling during summer heat. Local events & culture: The Biennial AAUW Oklahoma convention is set for June 19 in Tahlequah, and a “Li’l Friday” roundup highlights weekend arts and music options. Family travel planning: WalletHub’s 2026 summer destination list points to affordable, easy-to-reach getaways, with Oklahoma City noted for low local costs. Travel-adjacent sports: The College World Series is underway in Omaha with Oklahoma among the teams.

Route 66 Road Trip: Ultra-endurance cyclist Joe Barr is pushing toward a world record on a Route 66 Centennial ride, logging 300+ miles a day and crediting Joplin for major support as he heads through the region. Family Travel & Local Fun: The Southern Oklahoma Library System is rolling out “Flat Will,” a take-home Will Rogers buddy for road trips and summer adventures—snap photos, use #FlatWill, and supplies are limited. Summer Safety on the Road: ODOT is warning drivers about “blowouts” or pop-ups—concrete pavement expansions that can appear suddenly on hot days, especially on older roads. Oklahoma Tourism Numbers: New reporting highlights Oklahoma tourism’s strong 2025 impact, with visitors generating nearly $12.8B and supporting more than 109,000 jobs. Gas Watch: GasBuddy price checks show Oklahoma regular averaging about $3.90 for the week ending May 30, with some counties dipping into the $3.50s. Community Calendar: AAUW Oklahoma’s biennial convention is set for June 19 at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.

Homelessness & Local Policy: Norman City Council backed away from a controversial ordinance that would have let people experiencing homelessness camp in residential front yards, after criticism from state leaders and residents and concerns it could do more harm than good. Community Safety & Travel Disruptions: Oklahoma City-area officials and police continue responding to a deadly southwest OKC double-murder tied to a homeless encampment, while nearby areas weigh how to handle encampments and public safety. Gas Watch for Road Trips: GasBuddy reports show spotty low prices across Oklahoma—Greer County regular hit $3.88 (one station), Jackson County premium dipped to $4.37, Delaware County premium to $4.19, and Oklahoma County E85 as low as $2.79—useful for travelers planning summer drives. RV Travel Services: Love’s Travel Stops is expanding RV-friendly maintenance at select Truck Care locations and partnering with Spartan RV Chassis for warranty work, aiming to keep road trips running smoothly. Sports Travel Buzz: Oklahoma State basketball coach Steve Lutz says expectations are rising as the Cowboys chase a top Big 12 finish, while OU-area fans also eye major out-of-state events like the College World Series matchup featuring Oklahoma.

Tourism Economy: Oklahoma’s tourism numbers keep climbing: visitors spent nearly $12.8 billion in 2025, up 2.4% from 2024, supporting more than 100,000 jobs statewide and adding $955 million in state/local tax revenue. Local Homelessness Policy: Norman City Council backed away from a proposal that would have let homeowners permit short-term camping for up to two unhoused people on private front lawns—after pushback from state leaders and residents—while the city continues searching for longer-term solutions. Trail of Tears Journey: Cherokee cyclists are retracing the Trail of Tears, including stops at historic sites in Illinois like Camp Ground Cemetery, with riders describing the emotional weight of the route that ends in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. New OKC Brand Input: Oklahoma City’s brand initiative is asking residents to weigh in via a survey at visitokc.com/survey through June 30, aiming to shape a community story beyond just a logo. Road-Trip Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show lower prices in parts of the state, including $3.39 regular in Carter County and $3.84 E15 in Hughes County for the week ending May 30. New Opening for Travelers: HTeaO is opening a new Piedmont location on June 13, adding another quick stop for families and commuters in the Yukon–Piedmont–NW OKC area.

Oklahoma Tourism Boost: Oklahoma’s tourism industry generated nearly $12.8B in direct visitor spending in 2025, supporting 109,300+ jobs statewide and about $955M in state and local tax revenue, according to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Olympic Prep Funding: Lawmakers set aside $15M for Oklahoma City’s 2028 Olympic planning and infrastructure needs, with Team OKC coordinating work tied to canoe slalom and softball at existing venues. Trail of Tears Cycling: The Cherokee Nation’s 2026 Remember the Removal Bike Ride pushed into Illinois, stopping at historic sites like Mantle Rock and Campground Cemetery as riders retrace the Trail of Tears toward Tahlequah. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports show midgrade hit a low of $4.43 in Woods County and diesel dipped to $4.30 in Canadian County for the week ending May 30, with statewide averages generally easing. Jail Visitation Shift: A new Oklahoma Watch survey finds two-thirds of county jails have ended in-person visits, leaving families to rely on costly video calls. Creative Tourism Marketing: Oklahoma City agency VI Marketing and Branding won eight Telly Awards, including honors for tourism and public safety campaigns. Sports Tourism Note: The Savannah Invitational volleyball tournament drew teams from 13 states and generated about $3.38M in local economic impact—another reminder of how tournaments can drive lodging and dining demand.

Flooding & Travel Disruptions: Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a disaster emergency after weekend flooding hit eastern Oklahoma, including Tulsa, Creek and Okfuskee counties, with officials urging residents to report damage and warning drivers not to cross water-covered roads. Local Governance & Homelessness: Norman City Council is set to discuss an ordinance that would let homeowners apply for permits to allow unhoused people to camp on residential lawns under strict conditions, with state leaders and residents pushing back. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show Oklahoma County’s lowest premium gas at $3.65 and lowest E15 at $3.49 (week ending May 30), plus Tulsa County midgrade at $3.99—useful for road-trip planning. Family Fun in OKC: Science Museum Oklahoma brings back Space Day (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and Sally’s Night, both aimed at hands-on space learning for families. Sports & Events: The National Senior Games qualifier “Hoops for the Ages” is headed to Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a 3-on-3 tournament in Evanston, Illinois.

Route 66 Road-Trip Ideas: A Missouri Route 66 stop is getting attention for its preserved Americana—Carthage, near the Kansas/Oklahoma border, is pitching itself as an easy base for a few days of classic roadside dining and sights. Oklahoma Travel Watch: Oklahoma’s tourism brand is changing—Oklahoma Today magazine will stop publishing after 70 years, with the TravelOK podcast set to rebrand in 2027. Gas Prices (Good News for Drivers): AAA reports Oklahoma’s average gas price has dropped to about $3.66, with metro averages around $3.54 (OKC/Lawton) and $3.71 in Tulsa—plus GasBuddy spot checks show some counties dipping into the $3s for regular. Big Summer Events on the Road: The HOT ROD Power Tour rolls along Route 66’s 100th anniversary route, with a stop in Rantoul, Ill., drawing 6,000+ cars and cruising toward Tulsa. Public Safety/Health: Measles cases are surging nationwide, and Oklahoma travelers may want to double-check vaccination status before summer trips. Local Living & Travel Impacts: Operation SAFE homeless encampment sweeps played out differently across Oklahoma cities, with Norman seeing a state-led clearance and Tulsa’s earlier sweep drawing criticism from service providers.

Museum Spotlight: The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is putting a record-breaking Pentaceratops skull on display as part of its traveling “Bizarre Headgear” exhibit, a big draw for families planning a summer stop in Norman. Road Trip Reality Check: GasBuddy’s latest county-by-county reports show Oklahoma fuel prices staying uneven—Osage County regular hit $3.79 (week ending May 30), while diesel lows like Sequoyah County at $4.76 and Harmon County at $5.05 highlight why travelers may want to shop around before hitting the highway. Weather & Travel Disruption: Oklahoma’s Lawrence Super Regional Game 2 vs. Kansas was suspended after lightning delays in the Lawrence area, with the Sooners leading 8-1 when play stopped—another reminder to build flexibility into travel plans during severe weather season. Cyber Safety for Travelers: A new warning says AI can help scammers mimic fingerprints from high-resolution selfies, so travelers should lock down accounts and be cautious with what they post online. Family-Friendly Safety Tip: A roundup of tornado myths debunks ideas like “tornadoes can’t hit cities” and “lakes repel tornadoes,” urging Oklahomans to follow real preparedness guidance.

Museum Spotlight: The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is featuring a record-breaking Pentaceratops dinosaur skull—Guinness World Record holder for the largest land-animal skull—now paired with its traveling exhibit “Bizarre Headgear.” Road Trip Reality Check: GasBuddy reports show bargain-hunting across Oklahoma’s fuel market, including Kay County’s lowest premium at $4.34 (week ending May 30) and Tillman County’s lone premium station at $4.09; E85 deals also popped up, like Le Flore County at $3.21. Cyber Safety for Travelers: AI-powered scams are getting nastier, including claims that scammers can replicate fingerprints from selfie photos—experts warn to limit high-resolution images and protect accounts tied to biometric access. Family Fun Outdoors: Stillwater is leaning into Great Outdoors Month with scenic picks like OSU’s Botanic Garden and nearby lakes where visitors can hike, kayak, fish, and camp. Animal Health Watch: Oklahoma officials are tracking New World screwworm risks as USDA and partners respond to the threat to cattle.

Route 66 Road Trip Buzz: A cross-country Route 66 caravan kicked off from Santa Monica with about 70 drivers aiming for Chicago, despite higher gas prices and travel uncertainty—another reminder that Oklahoma’s stretch of the Mother Road is a big draw for road-trip fans. Great Outdoors Month (Stillwater): Stillwater is leaning into June with scenic stops like the OSU Botanic Garden and outdoor time at Lake McMurtry and Boomer Lake Park. Safety & Weather Prep: A roundup of tornado myths warns people not to assume cities or water stop tornadoes, and to focus on real safety steps. Local Travel Safety: An Oklahoma Highway Patrol report says a Tulsa motorcyclist died after a crash on wet I-44 in Lincoln County near mile marker 176. Cattle Industry Watch: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is pushing to speed up a New World screwworm fly facility after the pest’s return, a potential threat to Oklahoma’s livestock economy. Gas Watch (Oklahoma): GasBuddy price reports show pockets of lower fuel costs across the state, with regular and diesel deals varying by county.

Route 66 centennial travel: A new “Travels With Two Sisters” feature spotlights the Mother Road’s 100-year milestone, celebrating Oklahoma’s place on the route and what to see along the way. Gas prices for road trips: GasBuddy reports show Oklahoma regular averaging about $3.90 for the week ending May 30, with standout lows like $3.49 in Ottawa County, $3.54 in Cherokee County, and $3.55 in Pawnee County; E15 lows include $3.49 in Oklahoma County and $3.84 in Lincoln County; diesel lows include $4.79 in Dewey County. Safety on I-44: Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a Tulsa motorcyclist died after a crash on wet I-44 near mile marker 176 in Lincoln County. Outdoor travel health watch: USDA confirmed a case of New World screwworm, with guidance urging year-round pet protection and quick reporting of suspicious wounds. Local tourism events: Downtown Paducah’s “Fridays After Five” kicks off for ten Fridays, bringing live music and vendors to the riverfront and Broadway. Travel policy at airports: 21 U.S. airports now offer gate pass programs letting non-ticketed guests clear TSA and enter terminals for dining and shopping.

Route 66 Spotlight: Good Morning America visited Oklahoma City for the Route 66 centennial, bringing early-morning fans to Wheeler Park and putting the Mother Road’s local stops and Oklahoma pride on a national stage. Fireworks Rules: A new Oklahoma law brings back bottle rockets and allows year-round fireworks sales in some areas, but Oklahoma City’s long-standing fireworks ban still applies inside city limits. Road Trip Disruption: Tulsa’s South Yale Avenue has an outer southbound lane closed near Creek Turnpike for sinkhole repairs, with no reopening timeline yet—expect detours and delays. Outdoor Weekend Energy: The Railbird Music Festival in Lexington, Kentucky is expected to draw up to 45,000 people per day, with major acts including Tyler Childers and The Lumineers. Community Travel & Heritage: The Oklahoma Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association plans a June 27 meeting in Peggs, followed by a grave marking ceremony for James Downing. Family-Friendly Fundraising: Bike MS Oklahoma is set for this fall, with riders traveling through communities statewide to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

MS Ride Coming to Tahlequah: Hundreds of cyclists will roll through Oklahoma this fall for Bike MS Oklahoma, a fundraising ride supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Route 66 & Road-Trip Buzz: Oklahoma is also gearing up for more summer travel as World Cup crowds funnel through I-35, with ODOT coordinating traffic updates and reducing construction along key corridors. Gas Watch (May 30 week): Oklahoma prices are mixed—regular hit lows like $3.55 in Wagoner County and $3.63 in Woods County, while diesel lows included $4.54 in Atoka County and $4.59 in Logan County; E15 lows showed up at $3.72 in Adair County and $3.82 in Choctaw County. Hoops for Travelers: The ACC/SEC Challenge schedule is set, including Oklahoma at Syracuse and a big Duke vs. Florida matchup, plus other marquee women’s games. Safety & Local Alerts: A Muskogee Turnpike crash in Wagoner County killed a motorcyclist, and a bomb threat at an Oakley wellness spa ended with a suspect in custody and no explosives found.

Route 66 Centennial (Amarillo): Amarillo has officially kicked off its 10-day Route 66 centennial celebration with 66 events running June 4–14, giving travelers and locals a big mix of Western heritage, Route 66 history, and “past and present” experiences. Classic Car Stop (Claremore): The Hemmings Great Race will roll into the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore on Monday, June 22, with a Route 66-themed stop as the nine-day rally travels from Illinois to California. Film & Tourism Boost (deadCenter): Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell is set to receive the deadCenter Film Festival Visionary Leadership Award for pushing Oklahoma’s film incentives and promoting the state as a production destination. Gas Watch (Oklahoma): GasBuddy reports show Oklahoma regular averaging about $3.90 for the week ending May 30, with select low-price spots like $3.79 in Stephens County and $3.14 E85 in Mayes County. Local Sports Travel (softball): Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady and Texas’ Teagan Kavan were central to the WCWS final storylines, with Kavan closing out Texas’ back-to-back title run.