Branson wants you… conventioneers
Family-oriented Branson is branching out. The new target: conventions and meeting groups.
Known for its country music appeal, Branson has traditionally attracted mainly families and couples. One of its long-standing problems is lack of air access. Visitors in the past had to drive here.
Branson Regional Airport is currently under construction just south of the city proper and is scheduled to open in May 2009. The possibility of linking to such markets as Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, and Minneapolis has the city looking ahead to more development.
“Opening the airport will be huge for our meetings market,†said Lynn Berry, director of public relations for the Branson/Lakes Area CVB. “Since we’re already so affordable and centrally located in the country, it will put us into a different tier.â€
The push really started last year when the city opened the Branson Convention Center, which has 220,000 square feet of meeting space.
The area has 18,000 hotel, motel and condo rental rooms.
The Hiltons of Branson manages two new hotels (536 total rooms) in the Branson Landing area as well as the city owned Branson Convention Center. All three facilities are located on the shores of Lake Taneycomo with 100 upscale shops, a dozen eclectic restaurants and lounges plus two marinas, all within walking distance.
In addition to the new Branson Convention Center, there are 32 lodging facilities in Branson.
Considering the wide range of world-class live entertainment, award-winning theme parks, abundant shopping in more than 400 retail shops and outlet stores, 445 restaurants, unique museums and exhibits and many one-of-a-kind facilities and attractions, Branson offers attendees plenty of options, say tourism officials.
“Our potential is vast for any size of meeting,†said Ms Berry.†There’s no typical number, and we have 19,000 rooms, so we’re ready for anything.â€
Report by David Wilkening
David
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