The recession hit tourism in Branson in 2009, the city's Board of Aldermen learned Tuesday.
Overall visits in 2009 totaled 7.2 million, down 3.8 percent from the 7.5 million reported in 2008, according to the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce's annual visitation report, presented to the board Tuesday night.
Spending increased among those visitors, however, the report said. Average spending per party increased by more than $80, to $961 per visit. The number of families increased by 2 percent, and the number of first-time visitors increased 7 percent. The average age of a Branson visitor dropped to 49 from 51, with visitors staying an average of 4.5 nights.
The chamber has several ideas to increase traveler numbers in 2010, including more marketing in cities closer to Branson, to take advantage of travelers staying closer to home, and stressing new attractions in advertising.
The Branson Convention Center also presented its annual report. Total event days held roughly even, with 251 in 2009 compared to 252 in 2008, and the center accounted for 21,000 room nights last year.
Center revenues were below budget by $667,000, or 14.5 percent, with concessions exceeding the budget by $81,000. Roughly three-fifths of convention business originated in Missouri, including 27 percent from Jefferson City and 26 percent from Springfield.
