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Tiny Branson becoming tourist giant again
The tiny town of Branson, Mo., population 6,500, is becoming a giant in the tourist-entertainment business.
“Not since the boom years of the mid-1990s has this town seen the kind of record-setting new development and expansion of entertainment and vacation amenities that are taking place in 2005,” said the PRNewswire.
The city is looking at $125 million in new hotels, resorts, vacation housing, retail, restaurants and other developments.
The previous record of $119 million was set in 1992.
Brandon now attracts 7.2 million visitors to southwest Missouri each year. It is a top 20 vacation destination.
Said Ross Summer, president of the Branson/Lakes area Chamber of Commerce and the local CVB:
“Our unique combination of world-class entertainment in close proximity to outdoor and lake recreation, along with our famous Ozark Mountain hospitality is what sets Branson apart from other major destinations.”
New theme park rides opening this year include Silver Dollar City’s $10 million roller coaster called Powder Keg, which blasts riders from 0 to 53 miles an hour in just 2.8 seconds.
The $40 million Celebration City is also unveiling new rides.
New hotels underway include a plan to build an 18-story, five-star hotel adjacent to the four-diamond Chateau on the Lake.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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