Branson chamber developing strategic tourism plan

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau and CVB is conducting a 10-year strategic plan to shore up tourism in the region.

The organization hired Canadian consulting firm MMGY NextFactor to assist in developing the plan, according to a news release. The chamber and MMGY NextFactor are slated to engage with residents, community leaders, public officials and industry stakeholders over a 12-month process.

“We’re looking forward to working with the talented team at MMGY NextFactor,” said Jason Outman, president and CEO of the Branson chamber, in the release. “Tourism continues to play a significant role in the future prosperity of our region. This process is an important and strategic investment that will influence how we promote, develop and expand our visitor industry for the benefit of the local economy and community.”

MMGY NextFactor has worked to deliver travel and tourism insights and strategies to more than 250 global destinations, according to the release.

While the pandemic dampened Branson’s visitor levels in 2020, the city brought in $4.31 million in tourism tax revenues through May, nearly doubling last year’s numbers over the same period, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

The city’s all-time tourism tax record of $13.57 million was reached in 2018 – a record that could be surpassed this year, Outman previously said.

Outman told SBJ in June that the city's tourist count may challenge 2019’s record of 9.1 million. The total dropped steeply last year to 6.4 million visitors, a 30% decline.