Inside the collapse of Branson Missouri's tourism

[@WildcatWarrior15]

Let's be honest, you went during the off season and took b-roll during non-business hours. We were just there last summer with our young kids and it was just as busy as ever. Same bumper to bumper traffic that it had 20 years ago when I went there as a kid. It literally was just as busy as ever. There is definitely a shift away from the attractions that boomers and their parents were attracted to versus younger generations, but Branson seems to be doing a good job of pivoting to a younger clientele that isn't as interested in 50s musician impersonators. The river walk was literally jam packed, the only way you got B-roll of it empty was by going before any of the businesses were open.

[@theduttons]

Hey Ryan, judging by your video, I am guessing that you were here recently - probably about Early to Mid-September. Do you know what happens here at that time? The summer crowd (families and students) go back to school and because it is still very hot and humid in town, the senior crowd with their big motorcoaches hasn't started arriving yet. so there is a 2-3 week lag in tourism while the audience demographics change over. I would suggest another trip here from now until the end of the year and you will see a very different Branson than is depicted in your video. Here at the Dutton Theater, we can look right out the box office window every single day and watch the cars line up on 76 on their way in and out of Silver Dollar City - we get to watch the line that goes all the way around Andy's Frozen Custard at night, and the near accidents in the center lane while our audience is trying to turn into our parking lot and the audience for the Acrobats of Shanghai is trying to turn in to their parking lot at the Mickey Gilley Theater. Branson has it's ups and downs, and of course we would love to see more people here (thank you for suggesting to your followers that they come by - we all appreciate the shout out!) but I think you may have underestimated the amount of tourism that is still coming to this town, and the new business that is checking us out for the first time.

[@RyansRetroVerse]

Very glad to hear it! I appreciate your insight and I look forward to checking out the show next time I'm there!

[@michaelme1548]

I don’t have an interest in going to Branson but their reported tourism numbers don’t match what you are saying.

[@CarolynGramm]

Ryan, We just got back from Branson yesterday. The accommodations we wanted at four different places were full (October 1-9) but we managed to get something. We like September through May visits to Branson because you don't have the crazy busy crowds every that you do during the summer months. We go up there several times and we'll be going back next month. Branson absolutely IS a destination. If it wasn't, it wouldn't be so crowded even in the off-season (if there is one). And why comment about Panera closing when you obviously knew they moved to a better location? Sure, there are new businesses that come in and old ones that go, but there's always a lot going on. Parking downtown and at the Landing was basically non-existent while we were there, and there was a lot of foot traffic in those to areas. Branson doesn't need a rebirth because it's still alive and well.

[@RyansRetroVerse]

Glad to hear it! I was just basing this on the last few times I've been there (which may have been off seasons) and I am glad to be wrong if that's the case!

[@FairHaven-h8s]

Yeah, misleading video. No mention of nearby attractions that have seen their attendance grow, like Silver Dollar City, one of the coolest amusement parks nobody has heard of.

[@Qpitmaster]

Your headline "Inside the Collapse" but you actually said "Branson isn't dead".... "rebirth". I dislike click bait.

[@murphy4yt]

?

[@bearkiti9974]

Is there somewhere to see the breakdown for the tourist numbers? Meaning Branson, Branson West, Hollister, Ridgedale etc.. I have noticed that the vehicle traffic has been getting lighter during the summer on the strip and downtown. Very curious to see where this increase in tourism is actually occurring. Ridgedale is a traffic nightmare at those times. SDC is fighting back with new resort and park slated to open sometime in the future. Not sure who they expect to work there but that is their problem; maybe they will close a couple of more hotels in town to make into more low cost apartments for all the people they are paying minimum wage? 😉

[@IftheShewfits]

I think "collapse" is a bit hyperbolic... especially since 2023 saw record numbers for tourism and 2024 was down only compared to some higher numbers. Maybe inflation and trying to buy groceries took priority for some folks. Branson has some abandoned, decrepit buildings and storefronts but it also has beautiful, well-maintained, busy spots as well. As for lines out the door, you were apparently there during off-season, which is when I like to visit Branson, too, because when it's busy, it's really, really busy. Anyway, I appreciate whatever you can do to keep Branson a well-kept secret. Wink.

[@RyansRetroVerse]

Absolutely agree, it's my favorite place to visit, here to hoping it stays VERY busy for years to come!

[@OPTexas]

Wish Branson had more hotel chains , Seems like like any decent stay comes with a timeshare attached to it.

[@stormy8092]

Rip you off city.

[@marie0331-y3v]

I've often stayed at Thousand Hills since they are NOT timeshare. They have lots of condos with many right in the theater district. Clean with great service!

[@OPTexas]

@ nice , I might have to give it a try next time I go. I stayed at the ozarker lodge this summer. It was small but nice

[@danlilly1790]

The fact there's no Amtrak service for 100+ miles in any direction is my reason.

[@stormy8092]

The Silver Dollar City family kept gambling out of the Branson area. The day will come when they regret that. Since they tanked casinos we've not been back there. No thanks.

[@generator6946]

It was simple, new and fun 50 years ago. Fairly good restaurants. Interesting activities. Then it grew and grew. Lots of crooks … It’s its own town now. Big enough to live without tourists. We go every few years but just shop a little.

[@delano62]

Haven't been there in 30 years. Silver Dollar City stills pulls them in hear.

[@davidkuharich9269]

Disinformation, ❤💪🇺🇸

[@MarkDeShazer-t3r]

The state has become solid red and Branson is a glorified church service. Majority of the shows are religious and too many billboard plastered every few feet. Get rid of the billboards and less church service. People do not go on vacation to a church service. The billboard every few feet overwhelms the beauty of the area and makes it looks cheap and run down.

[@allenhuffman]

Did you mean 1984 for Andy Williams?

[@RyansRetroVerse]

Well I actually meant 92. I think he started performing in Branson earlier than that but the theatre specifically opened in 1992, hope that makes sense.

[@socksal]

Nope