The City of Branson has a population of 7,500. 7.2 million visitors come annually and that number is still growing. Branson is located in southwest Missouri, 35 miles south of Springfield within the heart of the Ozark Mountains. Branson serves as the job, service and shopping center for a two county area with 70,000 year round residents. Branson is surrounded by three prize winning fishing lakes. The city has an incorporated boundary of over 17 square miles. This city has become the focus of international attention as both a major development area and an entertainment and tourism destination. The reasons are numerous and range from the scenic natural beauty of the area to the star studded theaters along Highway 76 with major recording artists as well as other family oriented entertainment offerings.
Tourism
Situated within a day's drive of 50% of the U.S. population, Branson and the Tri-Lakes area serves up to 65,000 visitors daily who pump 1.5 billion dollars into the local economy. Branson has been a day's drive destination with the vast majority of tourists arriving by vehicles, RVs and tour buses. However, more visitors are now flying into the area each year. The proposed Branson airport is now under construction near the AR and MO line. Branson has also become one of America's top motor coach vacation destinations.
A geographical profile of Branson visitors shows: 11% come from a radius of 100 miles; 22% from 101-300 miles; and 67% from 301+ miles. The top three motivations for coming to Branson are entertainment and shows, theme parks, and shopping. The average income of the Branson visitor is $55,186 and average age is 57.
While Branson is small in population, it has all the accoutrements of a large community...and then some! Combined with robust economy, well-funded schools and lovely residential areas, you’ll find a community that cares about its neighbors. Although we can go on and on about this remarkable place, you really need to visit the area and see it for yourself!
The Hilton Hotel
The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, also opening in August 2007, is located within walking distance of Historic Downtown Branson and the sprawling new Branson Landing shopping and entertainment district. The new Hilton offers guests a chance to experience the pampered luxury of a metropolitan hotel in the heart of small town America. The 12-story hotel will feature 293 rooms, including 194 traditional rooms and suites, and 99 condotel units that will also be available for nightly rental.
With the capacity to accommodate up to 6,000 attendees, the new Branson Convention Center (opening August 2007) will offer guests 220,000 square feet of flexible space in a stunning, state-of-the-art setting. The first level will consist of a 50,000 square foot exhibit hall that can be divided into two sections, as well as a 23, 000 square foot ballroom. The second level will feature twelve meeting rooms, ranging in size from 1,000 to 5,500 square feet. A curving, exposed timber pedestrian concourse will offer guests a pleasing view of the Lake Taneycomo waterfront as they travel between the Center’s meeting and exhibit facilities and the adjacent Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.
Branson Hills
Branson Hills Plaza, a new 141-acre development is located at the northwest corner of the U.S. Highway 65 and Bee Creek Road interchange. Target and Home Depot anchor the first phase of the multi-phase development along with a number of other retailers, including TJ Maxx, and several restaurants, which are now open to the public. Phases two and three will include the development of more shops and restaurants over the next four years. The first phase will cost $33 million and include 300,000 square feet of space available for lease, and over the next 10 years, Branson Hills Plaza will expand to 1-million square feet.
HCW Development Company and the City of Branson have developed one of the nation's most attractive and dynamic mixed-use projects situated on a 95-acre site in America's heartland called Branson Landing. In 2006, Branson Landing on the Taneycomo waterfront opened with almost 500,000 square feet of retail space for unique shopping, dining, and entertainment. Brand-name tenants are mixed with galleries and shops offering regional arts and crafts, as well as specialty retailers. A cross-section of eateries - everything from a large themed restaurant to intimate cafes serve an array of cuisines and treats.
About the Branson Airport
Branson Airport, LLC, a development partnership, is in the process of developing a privately-funded commercial service airport to serve the Branson/Tri-Lakes area. The airport would be constructed on a site currently owned within the partnership and would be planned and designed to serve scheduled and charter airlines as well as corporate aircraft. The airport is planned to include an all-weather runway, passenger terminal building, air traffic tower and other safety and security features typical of an airport certified to handle commercial airline service.
Branson-A Golf Destination
Two new championship golf courses are set for completion in 2007 -- the magnificent Murder Rock Course at Branson Creek and the Payne Stewart Tribute Course at Branson Hills.
Employment opportunities abound in Branson! If you are looking to relocate or are already a member of our community, there is a job or career opportunity with your name on it. You’ve heard of people seeking jobs… we’ve got jobs seeking people!
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