Ross Summers of the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will make his quarterly presentation to Branson City Council. The presentation is part of the monthly obligation of the organization as they manage marketing dollars generated through the city's tourism tax.
Highlights of Branson Chamber Presentation to Board of Alderman
2007 revenues are moderately higher due to an increase in pricing rather than growth of tourists coming to the Branson market.
Year to date growth of the travel market is modest with a mere 0.9% increase over last years numbers which were very strong - representing a 2.4% increase over 2005.
The Chamber will report that travel experts are projecting a 1.6% increase in trip volume for the year 2007. On the domestic front, travel industry growth is strongest on the West and East Coast. Due to a weak manufacturing sector Midwest urban centers aren't experiencing growth.
Nation al resort hotel room demand is down 1.1% below 2006. Hawaii is down 8.2% and Florida is down 2.7%. Ohio visitors are up 1.1%, Illinois is up 1.2% and Tennessee is up 0.5%.
Monthly United States Hotel Room demand is somewhat of a rollercoaster with low numbers Dec 2006 - Feb 2007 were down and March 2007 - June 2007 Up. June was the strongest month with a 2.8% increase over last year.
Room Damand Variance by City Last 12 Months (Source: Smith Travel Research)
Altanta -2.8%
Chicago 1.4%
Dallas -0.2%
Houston 2.5%
Los Angeles 1.1%
Minneapolis 2.8%
Nashville 1.4%
New York 3.5%
Orlando 0.1%
San Diego -0.1%
San Francisco 2.3%
St. Louis 3.0%
Tampa -1.5%
Branson room demand is exceeding national and state averages as well as price per room.
Gasoline prices are continuing to gobble discretionary income of the middle class. For someone making $30,000 per year gasoline takes 31% up 18% in 2000.
How far do Branson visitors travel?
61% of travel in excess of 300 miles
24% travel 101-300 miles
15% under 100 miles
60% of visitors are adults and 40% are families. The percentage of families coming to Branson is on a 5 year high in 2007.
First time visitor ratio is down and 82% of our visitors are repeat customers.
86% watch a show while they're in Branson with an average of 3.66 shows per party
Average Adult age of Branson visitor 58.2
Average Branson visitor length of stay 4.17
Branson's marketing campaign " Someone You Love is Playing in Branson" will be presented.
Tax Revenues are on the rise in Stone, Taney and Indian Point
