George Nigh, a native of McAlester, served as governor from 1979 to 1987 and as lieutenant governor from 1959 to 1963. He has also served in the state House of Representatives, and from 1992 to 1997 was president of the University of Central Oklahoma. The former governor is known as “the father of tourism,” having spearheaded and/or developed a number of programs currently used in Oklahoma’s tourism industry today. with George Nigh Interim director for the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation George Nigh, a native of McAlester, served as governor from 1979 to 1987 and as lieutenant governor from 1959 to 1963. He has also served in the state House of Representatives, and from 1992 to 1997 was president of the University of Central Oklahoma. The former governor is known as “the father of tourism,” having spearheaded and/or developed a number of programs currently used in Oklahoma’s tourism industry today.

Q1- How important is tourism to Oklahoma’s economy?

Tourism is a major contributor to Oklahoma’s economic well-being. As an industry, it ranks as the third largest in the state, just behind agriculture and oil and gas. According to latest figures released by the Travel Industry Association of American, domestic travelers spent nearly $4.5 billion in Oklahoma in 2004, almost six percent more than in 2003. In fact, that was the largest annual gain in travel spending in Oklahoma since 2001. Spending by travelers supports jobs for some 70,700 Oklahomans. Without these jobs, the state’s unemployment rate of 4.8 percent in 2003 would have grown to 8.9 percent. It is also important to remember that travel spending generates more than $760 million in federal, local and state tax revenues, which support valuable services for all Oklahomans, such as fire and police protection, education and road and highway maintenance.

Beyond the economic benefits of tourism, our industry also improves the quality of life in our state. When we offer outstanding recreation, leisure and art and cultural opportunities for travelers, we also make our state better for residents.

Q2- What makes Oklahoma a unique tourist destination?

Where do I start? I would need an entire book to tell you why Oklahoma is such a wonderful and unique destination! We have such diversity in our land and culture that travelers could spend a week exploring our state and barely uncover everything we have to offer. Oklahoma has dramatic landscapes with the most diverse terrain mile-for-mile than any other state - from sand dunes to tall grass prairie to cypress swamps, salt flats and pine covered mountains. And, with more manmade lakes than any other state, we boast more shoreline than the East and Gulf Coasts combined.

That same richness is reflected in our culture as well. One of the attributes that makes us most unique is the beautiful and thriving traditions of the American Indian tribes and people in our state. Nowhere else on earth will you find so many distinct and proud cultures concentrated in one area. It defines who and what we are as a state.

From world-class museums and the heritage of 39 tribal nations, to interactive children’s museums and some of the finest art in the world, I would put our cultural offerings up against any state.

Q3- If a tourist wanted to sample the many faces of Oklahoma, what would you recommend?

A visit to at least one of Oklahoma’s 50 state parks is a must. Each Oklahoma state park captures the scenic, cultural and historic highlights of its location and many offer all types of outdoor activities including swimming, water skiing, hiking, fishing, camping, golf, horseback riding, scuba diving and more. These parks belong to the citizens of Oklahoma and we should all take the time to enjoy them.

If you crave adventure, ride a dune buggy at Little Sahara State Park near Waynoka, or dig for selenite crystals at the Great Salt Plains outside of Jet, or go caving at Alabaster Caverns in Freedom. Or climb to the highest point in Oklahoma at Black Mesa State Park in the Panhandle. If you like to canoe, kayak or fly fish, then head to Beavers Bend in Broken Bow. That’s just an idea of some of the diversity found in our state park system which, by the way, ranks as one of the best in the nation.

I also think a great way to experience Oklahoma is to attend one of the many unique and exciting festivals and events across the state. There’s the Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival in Oklahoma City, Oktoberfest in Tulsa, the OK Mozart International Festival in Bartlesville, the Dusk ‘Til Dawn Blues Festival in Rentiesville, and the PRCA Rodeo of Champions in Elk City. Pick up our 2006 Oklahoma Events Guide for information on these events and more.

Q4- Sometimes as residents, we forget about the treasures in our own state. What are some things that residents can do to explore Oklahoma?

It’s pretty simple – load up the family and head out! No matter what direction you take from home, you won’t have to go far to see something that will surprise you about your home state.

Oklahomans are no different from the residents of other states – it can be hard to convince us this is a great place to vacation. I encourage every Oklahoma to take a weekend and instead of heading to Dallas or Kansas City, stay right here and spend some time discovering your home state. You won’t be disappointed.

If you need some professional advice, just give our office a call, visit one of our 12 Tourism Information Centers or go online to www.TravelOk.com. We can provide you with great ideas and plenty of free brochures.

Q5- There seem to be a lot of wineries opening in Oklahoma. Are we going to become the Napa Valley of the Midwest?

I think we sometimes forget According to the Oklahoma Grape Growers and Winemakers Association, there are currently about 40 vineyards/ wineries operating in Oklahoma, so clearly this is a growing industry in our state. Not only do these wineries make great wine, but they are also becoming destinations in themselves with special events, beautiful tasting rooms and other entertainment options. Wineries represent a growing segment of Oklahoma’s tourism industry – Agritourism. It’s a way to combine two of the state’s strongest industries to benefit rural Oklahoma. I believe we will see continued growth and success in the grape-growing industry in Oklahoma and more opportunities to market wineries to travelers.

Q6- Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa are developing “tourism districts” that provide dining, lodging and entertainment within a few city blocks. Is this a growing trend?

Yes, I think we will continue to see more of these districts cropping up across the state and the ones we have in Tulsa and Oklahoma City growing even more. Visitors want convenience when they travel, so offering dining, lodging and entertainment that is easily accessible and available in a concentrated area is pleasing to travelers – and to residents for that matter. These districts are providing more night- time and evening activities for our visitors which is a great draw for conferences, conventions and overnight travelers – all of which increase the economic benefit of tourism on our state.

Q7- Oklahoma’s also developing some fabulous museums-large and small. We’re familiar with the large museums, what are some lesser- known museums that we should be visiting?

Oklahoma has so many wonderful museums across the state that offer a glimpse of the state’s history, culture and people. Just to name a few:

• One of the largest, privately-owned collections of Native American history and culture in the U.S. is at the Ataloa Lodge Museum in Muskogee • The Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah is devoted to the preservation and promotion of Cherokee history and culture, with a moving Trail of Tears exhibit and the Tsa La Gi Amphitheater that offers annual performances. • There’s the Fort Washita Historic Site & Museum in Durant offering a glimpse of what life was like for Confederate forces. • The Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole offers wonderful educational exhibits for children ages 3 to 12. • No-Man Land Museum in Goodwell tells the history of the Oklahoma Panhandle area with Indian artifacts, a doll collection, and items of early settlement. • The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore displays art and artifacts pertaining to the life of Will Rogers in nine different galleries.

This is only a sampling of all the unique and unusual museums in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Historical Society does a wonderful job running museums across the state, as well as the brand new Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. I encourage you to refer to our travel guide or Web site to learn more about museums across Oklahoma.

Q8- There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the new casinos. Have you noticed an impact on the tourism industry?

Although we don’t have a direct measurement of the economic impact of casinos on the tourism industry, I can tell you casino information is one of the most popular requests we receive in our call center and at our Tourism Information Centers. Many of the casinos coming on line now or in the near future are destinations unto themselves which can only help broaden Oklahoma’s appeal to travelers.

Q9- What would you recommend for a family of four looking for a Spring Break vacation?

All of the above and more! Go camping or just play for the day at one our beautiful state parks, attend a fabulous festival or exciting event, stay at one of our many cozy lodges or resorts. Visit a world-class museum, eat at a great restaurant, or go shopping at either a large mall or a unique store on Main Street. There’s something around every corner – all you have to do is look!

Q10- The final question is yours...what would you like to tell our readers?

When people visit for the first time, they have an image of Oklahoma as just flat and dry. When they get here, they’re amazed at the varied topography - the lakes, the mountains, the forests. They’re also surprised by how cultured and contemporary we are....the modern museums, fabulous restaurants, exciting nightlife, as well as outstanding entertainment, theater and arts.

Do you have a question about gaming in Oklahoma?

Contact us at Linda@ocemagazine.com and we might use your question in a future issue! March 2006