Branson, Missouri is situated in Southwest Missouri, 35 miles south of Springfield.

Branson is ranked 20^th among all overnight leisure vacation destinations in the country.

• Estimated 7.9 million visitors in 2006 (+8.9% vs. 2005)
• $1.7 billion spent in the area in 2006
• Tourism is the Branson/Lakes Area's chief industry

• 29% of visitors are families
• 71% of visitors are adults/seniors
• 82% travel to Branson via personal vehicle
• 5% visit via motorcoach
• Average age is 59.1 years
• Average length of stay is 4.3 nights
• Average amount spent is $779 per trip
• 12% of visitors come from 100 miles or less
• 23% of visitors come from 101-300 miles away
• 65% of visitors come from outside a 300 miles radius
• On a 1 to 5 rating scale, visitor satisfaction measures a 4.63

Winter (January - March)
Overall percentage of visitors: 7.7%
Families: na
Adults <65: na
Adults 65+: na
Party Size: 2.8

Spring (mid-March - May)
Overall percentage of visitors: 15.4 %
Families: 9.6%
Adults <65: 47.9%
Adults 65+: 44.5%
Party Size: 2.7

Summer (June - August)
Overall percentage of visitors: 38.2%
Families: 46.9%
Adults <65: 49.7%
Adults 65+: 21.5%
Party Size: 3.6

Fall (September - October)
Overall percentage of visitors: 16.7%
Families: 8.1%
Adults <65: 50.9%
Adults 65+: 42.3%
Party Size: 2.6

Holidays (November - December)
Overall percentage of visitors: 22%
Families: 14.2%
Adults <65: 64.8%
Adults 65+: 45.4%
Party Size: 2.8

Population: 7,435
19 square miles
Total assessed property value: $378,311,049

60,317
Branson boasts more theater seats than New York City's Broadway district.

88% - Shopping
84% - Shows
36% - Theme Parks
33% - Museums
29% - Lake Activities
8% - Outdoor Activities
5% - Golf

The Ozarks and Branson gained popularity from Harold Bell Wright's classic novel "The Shepherd of the Hills," published in 1907. Since then, Branson has attracted visitors with its natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. In 1959, the Mabe brothers began performing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo. In 1962, the Presley family began entertaining visitors in nearby Kimberling City. The Presleys built the first theater along Highway 76 Strip in 1967, followed by the Mabe Brothers, now known as the Baldknobbers, who built their theater in 1968.

In 1960, the Herschend family opened an old-time Ozarks village attraction atop the already popular Marvel Cave, now called the Silver Dollar City theme park. It offers a glimpse into 1880s life of early Ozark Mountain settlers, complete with working craftsmen and folklore display of the Ozarks region.

Branson rose to national prominence as an entertainment destination during the early 1990's when the CBS program 60 Minutes dubbed the area the "Country Music Mecca." Since then, an increase in the number and diversity of shows, attractions and lodging amenities (and resulting visitors) has made Branson one of the top vacation destinations in the country. Most recently, Branson was featured in a daytime drama As the World Turns .

The new Branson Convention Center, opened in 2007, makes Branson an important destination for meetings and business gatherings. Located next to Branson Landing, on the shores of Lake Taneycomo, the center can accommodate up to 4,500 attendees. A wide range of services includes an exhibition hall totaling 50,000 square feet, a 23,000 square-foot ballroom, meeting rooms, complete onsite catering, top-tier audio visual services, event management and a business center. The center is connected to the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, a 12-story luxury hotel with 294 rooms and suites.

Branson's newest landmark, Branson Landing, is a $420 million, 95-acre development along Lake Taneycomo blending more than 100 retail shops with dining, luxury lodging, riverwalk, town square, marinas and nightlife into a dynamic, waterfront setting.

Branson is home to three outlet shopping malls (with more than 200 retailers), as well as Engler Block, the Grand Village and other unique shopping areas. Visitors can find contemporary clothing, Ozarks crafts, gift items, housewares, designer shoes, luggage and myriad other treasures throughout the year.

Historic Downtown Branson is also a shopper and diner's delight. Dick's Old-Fashioned 5 & 10, several boutiques and specialty stores combined with quaint eateries make the downtown area truly special.

Branson is conveniently located in Southwest Missouri, 35 miles south from Springfield on Highway 65, within a day's drive of more than 1/3 of the country's population.

The Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) is approximately 43 miles from Branson and serves all of Southwest Missouri with 70 daily flights connecting to eight international airports via six airlines. Choose from Allegiant Air, American Connection, American Eagle, Delta Connection, Northwest Airlink and United Express. These airlines offer direct flights to and from Atlanta , Chicago , Cincinnati , Dallas/Ft Worth, Denver , Detroit , Las Vegas , Memphis , Minneapolis , Orlando , Tampa and St. Louis and one stop service to 476 domestic cities and 40 international destinations.

The first privately financed and operated commercial airport in the country will begin operation in Branson in the spring of 2009. Branson Regional Airport , located south of the city, will have a 7,140-foot runway to accommodate all types of commercial aircraft making Branson even more accessible.