Branson tourism gets back to normal

Monday, September 6, 2021

In Branson, Missouri, USA, shops and attractions are ending their tourism period on a high note in 2021.

“Branson had a little bit of a tough 2019 because of COVID, but 2020 has been a really nice year for us,” said Mark Ruda with Branson Jetboats.

“Summer’s just been fantastic,” said Steve Hartley, co-owner of Dicks 5 & 10. ” It’s definitely been a summer to remember.”

City sales tax raised 66% this year and the tourism tax went up 242 percent, according to the Branson Area Chamber of Commerce. “COVID really showed a need to really gather family, pay more attention to family,” said Hartley. “We’re Branson, what a better place to bring a family? Everybody can have a great time, reconnect.”

Mark also talks about the number of lodging options that Branson offers.

“So when you stay at one of those, you got options to cook your own meals, so you’re not having to go to a restaurant three times a day, etc,” said Ruda. “There’s a lot of outdoor activities.”

Though, the pandemic is still affecting various retail stores. “There’s definitely going to be an inventory issue, at fall and Christmas,” said Hartley. “But Dick’s 5 & 50 always has inventory, and we will this year.”

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