Branson tax receipts jump in first quarter

Tourism tax receipts for the first quarter of 2002 increased more than 17 percent compared to the same period in 2001, according to information from the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Driving this increase are marketing programs such as Hot Winter Fun, which began in 1994 and promotes the area as a year-round visitor locale.

Between 1994 and 2002, winter month tourism tax receipts have increased by more than 330 percent from $179,270 to $774,392.

The drawing card for this growth has been that area attractions, restaurants and lodging properties have started opening their doors earlier.

"We are truly seeing Branson bridge the gap between Christmas and the spring to become a year-round destination," said Branson Mayor Lou Schaefer.

Traditionally, the spring kick-off period is late March or early April, the release said.

Within Branson's city limits, a 4 percent tax is collected from shows, attractions and lodging and a one half percent tax is collected from restaurants. Of the total tax generated, 25 percent is turned over to the chamber of commerce for marketing the area to visitors outside a 50-mile radius. Remaining tax dollars support infrastructure such as sewer and water systems.