Branson Tourism Numbers Down - Katie Stacy

Branson Tourism Numbers Down Reported by: Kate Stacy Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 @07:48pm CST It's known as a tourist destination, but the music city is not making as much money when it comes to visitors this season. The Branson Chamber of Commerce says tourism is down seven percent this year and that's affecting several local businesses.  A poor economy and high gas prices are partly to blame for the slow start to the season. Lori Smith and her family spend every summer vacation in the Ozarks. "Silver Dollar City is a must for us." says Smith. She says in tough economic times, her family scaled back this spring to make the reunion a reality. Smith says, "We did things like skipping out on dinner and movies knowing this vacation was coming up." But for thousands of other families, the funding isn't there. "The economy is a place of concern for our visitors." says Lisa Rau, spokesperson for Silver Dollar City. Silver Dollar City averages two million guests a year, but numbers are down ten percent in 2008.  Still staff members say they're optimistic. "People will travel.  They won't go as far or not as many days, but they do want that vacation." says Rau. Less than a mile down the road from Silver Dollar City, the parking lot at Uncle John's Inn is pretty empty.  Smaller business owners say they don't know how long they can hold on before the signs start to read no vacancy. "When it drops down 15 percent, that's very costly because that's the money you count on through the winter." says Vic Rudloff, Uncle John's Inn. Rudloff says this is the roughest season in five years.  He's running specials to see if he can put visitors back in his rooms. He says, "I'll do things like stay three nights and get the fourth one free." Still, Rudloff says his best shot of staying afloat is attracting traffic from bigger tourist stops. "I'm just down the road.  They're a huge draw." says Rudloff about his proximity to Silver Dollar City. It's why destinations like Silver Dollar City say they're working to be good partners in bringing tourist dollars back to the area. "We do drive tourists to the area.  No one is alone.  We can be optimistic." says Rau. Silver Dollar City and several other Branson attractions and lodging locations are adding value options, things like kids eat free or discounted merchandise, to make tourist dollars go further.   Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce has modified its marketing plan.  It's now promoting Branson in markets close to home and stressing Branson's affordability. But it's not just the economy affecting tourism.  Mother Nature has also had a hand in keeping people away.  This year, Silver Dollar City has been open 80 days and half of those have had bad weather.   And the weather in the Ozarks isn't the only problem.  People who come to the area often live in the Midwest and as we know, several areas are dealing with flooding and severe weather of their own, keeping people home. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com