"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - News Cherokee Tourism Web Site

TULSA, Oklahoma – Cherokee Nation Enterprises, which operates Cherokee Casinos, has launched a new web site, http://www.cherokeetourismok.com.

The new web site is a gathering place for the Cherokee Nation’s vast resume of cultural activities and attractions. The site will eventually serve as a sales hub for future tour and attraction packages.

Cultural and tourism sales are a result of the Cherokee Nation’s goal of economic self-sufficiency for Cherokee people. According to the Travel Industry Association, $554.5 billion is spent on tourism each year in the U.S., luring many companies like CNE to jump in and meet the demand of the growing industry.

“We created the culture and tourism department in 2007 to develop economic and branding partnerships across the state and the U.S., and to promote Cherokee tourism and cultural awareness, making northeastern Oklahoma a destination for a national audience,” said David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference is just one national organization that will be touring historic landmarks and significant sites within the Cherokee Nation’s 14-county jurisdiction this year.

Attractions across the 7,000-square-mile Cherokee Nation jurisdiction include the NSU Female Seminary, Cherokee National Capitol, Cherokee Supreme Court Building and Cherokee National Prison, Tahlequah; Cherokee Heritage Center, Female Seminary, Murrell Home and Ross Cemetery, Park Hill; Sequoyah’s Cabin, Sallisaw; Will Rogers Birthplace, Oologah; Will Rogers Museum, Claremore; Tahlonteeskee Courthouse, Gore; and Saline Courthouse, Rose.

CNE also plans to restore several historical landmarks and scenic areas in northeastern Oklahoma to attract additional tourist interest and dollars. The department has already created a movie theater that has been open since late last year in the Cherokee Travel Plaza, Roland. The film, which is available ‘on demand’ in the theater 24 hours a day, depicts Cherokee history and culture through storytelling, action and graphics.

For more information regarding CNE’s culture and tourism department or questions about tourism sales, contact Heather Williams by phone: 918-384-7887 or by e-mail, or contact Ben Elder by phone: 918-384-5853 or by e-mail.