The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce finally admitted what everyone else already knew, tourism in Branson is down this year and has been steadily declining over the past several years. In a presentation to the city the chamber reported a 3.3 percent decrease for the first six months, or by about 90,000 people. Chamber officials said Branson was likely taken out of many travelers’ consideration due to a struggling economy and spring floods.
They stopped short of saying the number of visitors to Branson has been declining for more than three years.

Talking with tour operators, hotel owners and show owners, the consensus is the 3.3 percent figure is not an accurate representation, with most businesses seeing a 45% or higher decrease over the past three years.
Closed stores now line the famous 76 Strip and numerous restaurants and shows have closed their door over the last 36 months. The Grand Palace is closed and even the Star Theater at the end of the strip sits empty and sports a “For Sale” sign.

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