Oklahoma Tourism Account Goes Into Review

It's time for the five-year mandated review of Oklahoma's $4 million tourism account.

The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department has sent out a request for proposals to approximately 25 agencies. Recipients included the 10-year incumbent, Ackerman McQueen of Oklahoma City.

Kathleen Marks, director of the department's travel and tourism division, said the new contract will run for only four years due to Oklahoma's upcoming 100-year anniversary of statehood in 2007.

"It's too risky to be changing agencies six months before a centennial," Marks said.

The selected shop will be offered a 12-month contract with three optional extension years. The ac-count will go up for bid again in 2005.

Bids to handle the department's "Oklahoma Native America" campaign are dueMay 1. A decision is expected on or before June 1.

Ackerman will defend the business, according to Barbara Johnston, senior vice president, management supervisor and point person on the tourism account at the shop.

Recent efforts from Ackerman have focused on 60-second television spots, with Shreveport, La., the latest addition to the list of television advertising markets. Wichita, Kan., has been added to an outdoor program currently under way in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Domestic travel spending in Oklahoma hit nearly $4 billion in 1998, the most recent year for which figures are available. That was nearly a 4 percent increase over 1997. Oklahoma ranks 35th in domestic travel expenditures among all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The department derives funds for its media budget from a state tourism tax. In addition to administering the advertising program, the 33-person staff operates public relations and information programs; markets Oklahoma to tour operators; and oversees a multicounty matching funds program. Another 28 full-time and 28 seasonal employees operate 12 welcome centers across Oklahoma.