Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Tulsa Regional Tourism earned significant recognition at the 2025 Redbud Awards, securing six prestigious honors, including the highly coveted Tourism Organization of the Year title. This achievement highlights Tulsa’s exceptional efforts in promoting tourism, driven by innovative campaigns, collaborative partnerships, and impactful events. The awards reflect the city’s growing prominence as a leading destination, showcasing its commitment to enhancing the visitor experience, fostering community engagement, and positioning itself as a major player in Oklahoma’s tourism industry.

Tulsa’s tourism industry achieved a remarkable milestone during the 2025 Redbud Awards, hosted by the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association, marking a standout evening for the city. Hosted during the OTIA’s annual tourism conference in Norman, the night celebrated innovation and excellence across Oklahoma’s travel industry. Tulsa Regional Tourism stood at the forefront of this celebration, capturing five prestigious awards, including the most coveted title — Tourism Organization of the Year in the large-budget category.

Tulsa Regional Tourism’s recognition as Tourism Organization of the Year (Large Budget) signifies more than just an award — it underscores the city’s role as a driving force in Oklahoma’s tourism development. The category honors organizations that demonstrate exceptional creativity, strategic leadership, and a measurable impact on tourism across the state. Tulsa’s rich array of cultural events, iconic landmarks, and collaborative tourism efforts played a pivotal role in securing the award, highlighting the organization’s commitment to elevating the city’s reputation and enhancing the visitor experience.

Among the evening’s most celebrated successes was the Big Dam Party, an electrifying event held during Labor Day weekend in 2024. This large-scale celebration was a collaborative endeavor between Tulsa Regional Tourism, Gathering Place, and River Parks Authority, and it drew crowds from across the state and beyond.

The event’s unique atmosphere, live entertainment, and scenic riverside setting helped it claim two major accolades: Outstanding Event and Best Social Media Campaign. The latter recognized how effectively the team leveraged digital platforms to create buzz, engage the community, and amplify the event’s reach. The campaign’s creative visuals and storytelling connected with thousands online, turning a local celebration into a viral regional highlight.

Tulsa’s growing influence in the national tourism conversation was further recognized through the Best Media Coverage award. This honor was presented to Tulsa Regional Tourism for securing prominent national media attention linked to the Broadway cast of The Outsiders, who made waves while touring the city.

This exposure put Tulsa in the spotlight for cultural tourism, connecting Broadway’s energy with the city’s heritage and creative spirit. The media coverage helped position Tulsa as a welcoming destination for arts, theater, and history lovers alike.

Tulsa Regional Tourism’s FY 2023-2024 Annual Report didn’t go unnoticed either. The organization earned a Merit Award for Outstanding Marketing Brochure (Large Budget) — a testament to its ability to communicate impact, strategy, and vision in a compelling visual format. The report highlighted milestones, performance metrics, and future goals in a way that resonated with stakeholders and promoted transparency within the tourism ecosystem.

Adding to Tulsa’s collective triumph was Guthrie Green, an innovative public space known for its community events and cultural showcases. Guthrie Green won Outstanding New Event for the “Inspyral Circus Fire Show,” a mesmerizing performance that combined acrobatics, fire art, and live music. The event provided an exciting and new experience for both locals and visitors, solidifying Guthrie Green’s position as a key cultural hub in downtown Tulsa.

In total, Tulsa-affiliated organizations captured six major awards during the 2025 Redbud Awards, illustrating the city’s ascending role as a regional powerhouse in tourism. From family-friendly festivals to sophisticated marketing strategies, these accolades reflect a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking tourism culture.

A standout aspect of Tulsa’s achievement is the spirit of collaboration that fueled its success. Organizations such as River Parks Authority, Gathering Place, and Guthrie Green worked hand in hand with Tulsa Regional Tourism to craft memorable experiences. These alliances have not only garnered national recognition but also strengthened community involvement — a crucial element in fostering sustainable tourism.

The Redbud Awards serve as Oklahoma’s highest tourism honors, organized annually by the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association to spotlight outstanding contributions to the state’s travel and hospitality industry. Each year, the awards recognize organizations, attractions, and events that fuel economic growth and visitor engagement through innovation and excellence.

Tulsa’s showing this year not only reinforced its leadership in large-budget tourism initiatives but also positioned the city as a benchmark for other Oklahoma destinations aiming to grow their visibility and offerings. Whether through world-class events, creative marketing, or unique urban experiences, Tulsa is setting a high standard.

Tulsa Regional Tourism took center stage at the 2025 Redbud Awards, winning six honors, including the Tourism Organization of the Year title, thanks to its innovative campaigns and impactful tourism initiatives. This recognition highlights the city’s rising influence and commitment to enhancing the visitor experience.

With these significant achievements, Tulsa Regional Tourism and its partners are poised to build even stronger momentum. Their combined efforts are shaping Tulsa into one of the most desirable destinations in the central United States — a place where arts, culture, entertainment, and nature converge to offer something for every kind of traveler.

The accolades from the 2025 Redbud Awards are not just trophies — they’re a reflection of years of vision, planning, and passion. Tulsa’s tourism professionals continue to raise the bar, reminding the rest of the state — and the nation — that Tulsa isn’t just keeping pace with tourism trends. It’s leading them.