Branson tourism spending hits $1.8B in 2007

Chamber officials reported 2007 tourism numbers at the city’s Board of Aldermen meeting Monday.

Approximately 8.4 million people visited Branson last year, up 5.2 percent from 2006. Visitation has grown 14 percent in the past two years.

The chamber estimates $1.8 billion was spent in the area in 2007. Average spending per visitor trip was $827.

Demographics of 2007 visitors shifted somewhat, as family visitation increased 44 percent from 2006, making up 41 percent of total visitors. The average age of adult visitors dropped to 56 from 58.

The majority of visitors – 62.4 percent – came from at least 300 miles away, 23.4 percent came from 101–300 miles away, and 14.4 percent came from within 100 miles away.

According to the chamber’s latest figures, Branson offers 458 restaurants, 53 theaters and 13 golf courses.