Branson Tops List of National Vacation Destinations

Branson ranked as the No. 1 destination spot for the first half of 2008 on the domestic travel planning Web site Vacationfun.com, based on requests for tourist information.

"Branson's location and reputation as a value destination pushed it to the top of the list," said John Hudak, publisher of Vacationfun.com, which is currently ranked in the top 10 percent of U.S. travel Web sites by the independent tracking firm Hitwise.

Despite economic concerns affecting the tourism industry, travel planning on Vacationfun.com is growing—visits to the site increased by 36 percent in the first half of 2008 compared to the same time period in 2007. According to Hudak, most Americans are not giving up vacations altogether, but staying closer to home and looking for vacation deals.

A traveler survey co-authored by the Travel Industry Association and Ypartnership and released in May revealed that, of respondents who stated their plans will change if gas prices continue to rise, the greatest percentage will respond by driving a shorter distance to their vacation destination.

"Branson fits the bill perfectly for what travelers need this year," said Hudak.

The average daily hotel rate in Branson is $75.90, compared with a national tab of $103, according to industry research group Smith Travel. Show tickets in Branson average $29, compared to an average $130 to $150 per ticket for Las Vegas.

In addition, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB sponsors a popular "Gas Buster" program to further offset the cost of travel. The program provides visitors who present at least $40 in gas receipts at either of the Chamber's two Welcome Centers with a card worth $50 in discounts.

These factors, combined with recent additions and upgrades to Branson lodging, shopping and attractions, put the city in position to continue to attract growing numbers of travelers. Local tourism leaders project growth for 2008 between 2 and 3 percent over last year's total visitor figure of 8.4 million.

Vacationfun.com attracts 1.85 million user sessions per year and is referenced as "America's leading source of free official travel information." The site enables travelers to research destinations and request information, by mail or electronically, from tourism organizations nationwide. Consumers requested more than 7.8 million visitor guides and brochures through VacationFun.com in 2007.

St. Louis captured the No. 2 destination spot on Vacationfun.com for the first half of 2008, followed by Boston, Savannah, Ga. and San Antonio.

For additional information about these special promotions, Branson's more than 100 live shows, theme parks, lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features, or to order a free Branson Vacation Guide, call the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-214-3661 or visit our website at www.explorebranson.com.

Ozark Mountain HighRide

John Daly's Lion's Heart Invitational Golf Tournament

John Daly's Lion's Heart Invitational Golf Tournament has moved to the new course that bears the founder's name. The fall tournament will be held at John Daly's Murder Rock Golf and Country Club, located within the acclaimed Branson Creek Residential Community on September 30th & October 1, 2008. This celebrity filled event moves from Tunica to its new home and will feature a celebrity extravaganza concert that is open to the public. The concert, along with a longest drive contest, will be held at the soon to open Branson Airport on their 7,140 foot runway. While enjoying good food, drinks, a celebrity concert, prizes and a little friendly competition, this event is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, and contributes to an annual donation to the John Daly Foundation.

"John Daly is not only a golf legend, but a generous, fun guy to be around, and he will be sure that everyone will have a good time, while raising money for the area kids," said Murder Rock general manager Chris Meade. "We invite the public to come out for our free ice cream party and autograph session from 4-6 PM on Tuesday, September 30th, and then join us to watch the pro-am starting at 8 AM on Wednesday, October 1st." Built on one of the most spectacular settings anywhere, Murder Rock is nestled within Missouri's premier residential community, Branson Creek. Murder Rock Golf Club works with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, blending into the surroundings to preserve the beautiful landscape and natural atmosphere. Chris encourages everyone to "come on out and enjoy some great golf competition among our celebrities and sponsors while enjoying our spectacular views."

Thanks to the generosity of the NEW Branson Airport, slated to open in May of 2009, a longest drive contest will be held throughout the tournament on October 1st on their runway, starting at 10 AM, with the final competition of the top pro-am finalists taking place during the evening concert. The public is also invited to take their own chance to hit a golf ball down the runway for $5/ball or $10/3 balls. When else will you have a chance to see if you can knock a golf ball down an airport runway? You can also see the progress of the airport construction, and see for yourself the 11 million cubic yards of dirt that has been moved on this 1,000 acre plot of land.

The 7:00 PM concert on October 1st will feature various local stars and founding members of the Murder Rock Country Club and will culminate in a special appearance from Samantha Cole, Mike Reno, and Darius Rucker. Concert tickets are on sale for just $10 each, and the public is invited to bring their own seating (but leave their coolers at home). Food and beverage will be available for sale.

Below is a list of the celebrities who have confirmed their attendance (as of August 6, 2008):

Name Background
Terry Ahola US Ski Team
Samantha Cole Solo Recording Artist
John Daly PGA Tour Player
Marshall Faulk NFL-St. Louis Rams
Robert Gamez PGA Tour Player
Vencie Glenn NFL-San Diego Chargers
Ian Gomez Drew Carey Show/Felicity
Clint Howard Apollo 13
Richard Karn Home Improvement/Family Feud
Bernie Kosar NFL-Cleveland Browns
Jack McGee Rescue Me/Crash/21
Mike Reno Loverboy-Lead Singer
Darious Rucker Hootie & the Blowfish-Lead Singer
Sterling Sharpe NFL-Green Bay Packers
Kevin Sorbo Hercules
Jan Stephenson LPGA Tour Player
Kordell Stewart NFL-Pittsburgh Steelers
Art Still NFL-Kansas City Chiefs
Tommy Thayer KISS
Gary Valentine King of Queens
Luke Wilson Actor


According to Talbird Lovan, the Executive Director of the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, this fundraiser comes at a crucial time for the organization. "We have had a record enrollment in our youth and adult programs this summer. This fall we begin our collaborative program with the Boys and Girls Club making possible the BGC/YMCA Tackle Football program. We also are expanding new Y Home-School and preschool arts programs for area children, and a new before school child care program in Branson starts this fall. We have a number of things going on, and monies raised from this tournament will assist us as we expand these programs while continuing enrollment in our wellness classes in step aerobics, yoga, NIA, Pilates, cycling, martial arts, and the Silver Sneakers program."

Talbird continues, "We are thankful for all of the time and effort going into making this tournament and concert a success, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the sponsors and players who are donating their time and resources to help us meet the needs of our members."

For more information regarding the Lion's Heart Invitational or for tickets to the Celebrity Extravaganza Concert, contact Katie Steele Danner, email: lionsheart@murderrockgolf.com or call (417) 334-7818 ext. 104. Tickets for the concert are also available for $10 at the Murder Rock Country Club, or the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, or can be purchased at the site on the night of the concert.

Additional information about Branson, its live entertainment, theme parks, lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features is offered at www.explorebranson.com or 800-296-0463.