Oklahoma, US Names Amy Blackburn Tourism Chief Ahead Of Route 66 Centennial And Global Events: All You Need To Know

Published on December 10, 2025

The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) has undergone a leadership change. The new executive director has been appointed by the governor, Amy Blackburn is the name, providing new energy for the sector just before the state is to experience a series of events, milestone celebrations, and international exposure that would last for a few years.

Coming on board at this pivotal moment, Blackburn replaces (or succeeds) the outgoing leadership ,though the former director remains in the agency during a transition period. This change arrives as Oklahoma preps for a packed agenda: the hundredth anniversary of Route 66, a surge in events tied to the nation’s 250th birthday, potential hosting for teams during the LA28 Summer Olympics, and possibly a role in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Why now matters: A golden window of opportunity

Oklahoma’s timing could scarcely be better. The state’s stretch of Route 66 more than 400 drivable miles, is the longest of any U.S. state, making it a natural focal point for global travellers.

Plans for a year‑long series of centennial celebrations in 2026 are already in motion. These will include a Capital Cruise classic‑car parade, mural festivals, birthday bashes along Route 66 communities, and more.

In addition:

• The state’s official tourism site highlights quirky roadside stops, historic towns, museums and neon‑lit diners on Route 66, a unique travel experience unlike elsewhere.
• Outdoor recreation, state parks and natural destinations managed under OTRD, remain big draws, offering a diverse set of experiences beyond the highway.
• Ongoing investments in sports tourism and infrastructure (including river‑based and stadium venues) as the state eyes major global events provide added impetus to draw visitors not only for heritage and road‑trip travel but also sports and event tourism.

With Blackburn at the helm, Oklahoma seems poised to leverage all these building blocks.

What Amy Blackburn brings and what could change

Governor’s office noted Blackburn’s deep love for our state and experience promoting Oklahoma domestically and internationally as key assets.

Her prior role was as Division Director of Marketing and Communications at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, a background that suggests she understands branding, marketing campaigns, and how to coordinate among businesses, communities and government exactly what tourism growth will require.

Those inside the travel and hospitality industry hope this appointment means more strategic marketing for lesser-known destinations, enhanced infrastructure and more cohesive promotion of Oklahoma’s mix of heritage, nature, and modern events.

Blackburn reportedly said she’s grateful for the opportunity to lead OTRD and is eager to showcase beautiful parks, communities, and attractions to both domestic and international visitors.

What tourists can expect and why you should consider visiting Oklahoma soon

• A once‑in‑a‑century Route 66 experience

2026 will mark 100 years of Route 66, and Oklahoma will be at the heart of major celebrations. These include vintage car parades, mural festivals, music and arts events, themed car shows and more.

Travellers who drive the famed highway can explore quirky roadside attractions, small‑town charm, historic theatres and museums, neon signs, old‑style diners and motels essentially a time capsule of mid‑20th‑century Americana.

• Diverse travel offerings: history, nature and city life

Beyond Route 66, Oklahoma offers lush state parks, lakes, rolling green hills and a wealth of outdoor recreation.

Whether you’re into hiking, camping, kayaking or simply exploring rural towns and big cities like Tulsa or Oklahoma City there’s variety. And with renewed focus on marketing and tourist infrastructure under new leadership, expect improved guides, better information and more curated experiences soon.

• A chance to witness global‑scale events

If plans hold, Oklahoma could see influxes of visitors during the LA28 Olympics, potentially hosting teams or events giving sports fans and global travellers a reason to consider OK as more than just a road‑trip destination.

Likewise, if the state becomes involved in the FIFA World Cup, that would open doors for culture‑ and sports‑driven tourism.

What this appointment signals for the hospitality and local economy

For hoteliers, restaurateurs, small-town businesses and roadside vendors, the new leadership suggests that 2026 and the years around will likely bring a surge in visitors. Tourist footfall tied to Route 66’s centennial, combined with sports events and international travellers, could significantly boost demand for lodging, dining, tours, and cultural‑heritage experiences.

For local communities, especially along the Route 66 corridor, this could mean new investments in restoring landmarks, launching festivals, improving infrastructure, and preserving heritage making these towns more attractive and economically sustainable beyond a few years of hype.

Tourism for Oklahoma could turn into a sustained growth engine a blend of heritage travel, adventure tourism, sports events and culture under a leader whose skill set aligns with marketing, communications and community engagement.

What this means for the soul of Oklahoma travel

Amy Blackburn’s appointment is not merely a change of personnel. For a traveller, it indicates soon Oklahoma might be a first-rate road-trip and cultural-heritage destination. Those quiet diners, neon signs, dusty motels, rolling prairies, lakes, museums and music halls, they may unveil new life, new stories and new tourists.