Category Archives: News

“Buzzin in Branson” during January 2015

“New South” quartet, David Ragan, left, Luke Menard, Jon Brockelman and Mark McCaulley.

Branson “Buzz of the Month:”

Grand Country’s Grand Jubilee, staring the “New South” quartet, will be the first of Branson’s almost 100 shows to premier their 2015 season show. Mike Patrick, General Manager and Producer of Grand Country Shows, said, “We start rehearsing for next year’s show while we are doing our Christmas Show and actually premier it during our New Year’s Eve show and party. We are really excited about the new show with new music, fresh comedy and some really ‘grand’ surprises.”

“Buzzin in Branson” is produced monthly by the Branson Tourism Center as a service to its customers and others interested in what’s going on in Branson. It is in a concise and easy to read format that conveniently provides pertinent and timely comments, information and a list of the major special events, shows and activities for the month being “Buzzed” which, in this case is January 2015.

Buzzin in Branson during January 2015

Dec. 31: OK, so strictly speaking it’s not happening in January, but New Year’s Eve in Branson will sure be an exciting end to 2014 and beginning of 2015.
Jan. 1 – 31: The vast majority of Branson’s Attractions such as the Titanic Museum Attraction, Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, the National Tiger Sanctuary, Promised Land Zoo, and many others are open year round. Branson’s retail shopping, including its major outlet malls and Branson Landing, are open year round.
Jan. 1 – 31: The majority of Branson’s shows are closed for their winter break and to prepare for the 2015 season during January and those that are open are operating on “winter” schedules. The following list includes some of the major shows that will be open, a general scheduling note and a link to additional information, specific schedules and ticketing information:

Amazing Pets
The Haygoods (January 3 Only)
Legends in Concert (January1-3 Only)
Dixie Stampede (January 1-3 Only)
Comedy Jamboree (Dark January 4-15)
Grand Jubilee (Dark January 4-13)
it at the Hughes Brothers Theatre (Starts Jan. 20)
Branson Country USA (Starts Jan. 30)

Jan 1 – Jan 15: White Flight at The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure
Jan 1: New Year’s Day
Jan 1: Chateau on the Lake – New Year’s Day Champagne Brunch
Jan 23: Titanic Museum Attraction’s Girls Sleepover
Jan 24: The Master Trout Fishing Tournament at Lilley’s Landing

Please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, for additional information, tickets or hotel reservations by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Silver Dollar City sparkles among Nation’s top ten Christmas lighting displays

Silver Dollar City’s “Christmas on Main Street.”

“Since its debut over twenty years ago, Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, with its millions of lights, shows, rides, shopping and other activities has become the major focal point of Branson’s ‘Ozark Mountain Christmas,”‘ said Tammy Johnson, the General Manager for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “With the whole ‘city’ festooned with millions of Christmas lights, it truly is a magnificent spectacle and one that has just been named as one of ‘USA Today’s Top 10 Spots for Holiday Lights,” she continued.

Brad Thomas, Silver Dollar City’s General Manager said, “We are excited to be named among the rock stars of holiday lighting on the editorial side of USA Weekend, with a circulation of 18 million.” “It’s so important to note our employees are essential to making us who we are, as it’s their ongoing and undying passion for excellence that leads to accolades such as these,” he added.

He also points out that a portion of “Old Time Christmas,” its “Christmas on Main Street” sound and light show, complete with its five story special effects Christmas Tree and its hundreds of thousands of lights synchronized to music, is one of the 20 nominees for the nationwide “10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award Poll.” Anyone can vote, once a day between now and 11:59 AM EST on Monday, December 15 at www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-public-lights-display. The results will be announced on line at 10best.com on Dec. 17 and published later in “USA Today.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson asked, “How cool would it be if Branson and Silver Dollar City fans voted and made “Christmas on Main Street” number one in the poll?” She also reminds visitors that “Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas” is just one of the many things that make “Ozark Mountain Christmas” and Christmas time in Branson so special.

Branson Tourism Center’s 4 millionth ticket surprises 1st time Branson visitors

Don and Marsha Meeker right after the balloon drop.

It was their first trip to Branson and they knew that Branson was known for its excitement and friendliness, but Don and Marsha Meeker, from Remus, Michigan, were surprised at the reception they received when they arrived to check-in at the Reception Area of the Branson Tourism Center on July 2nd. Hundreds of blue and white balloons fell from the ceiling and everyone was clapping and cheering as they were informed that they had purchased the 4 millionth show and attraction ticket sold by the Branson Tourism Center.

The Meekers were greeted by Lianne and Larry Milton, CEO and co-founders of the Branson Tourism Center, and Dave Hamner, co-owner and star of Hamners Unbelievable Variety Show, one of the five shows on their Branson itinerary. They were thrilled to find out that, in celebration of their purchase of the 4 millionth ticket, that all the lodging, shows and other activities they had booked through the Branson Tourism Center for their entire six day five night Branson vacation was as guests of BTC and at no charge to them. In addition, $100 BTC Gift cards were handed out to all of BTC’s customers who were in the reception area checking in at the time the announcement was made to the Meekers.

When asked what made them decide to come to Branson for the first time Marsha said, “My parents have been here two or three times and friends have been here two or three times. Everybody that I know that has been here has either come back or said that they wanted to come back. I’ve never heard of anybody who said, ‘I will never go back to that place again.'” She pointed out that they have been trying to get to Branson for some time and were considering a bus tour, but decided to come on their own when none was available.

The 4 millionth ticket was actually sold on June 1, 2014, by BTC Travel Planner Irving Garcia, was to the Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show and remained a secret to the Meekers, and just about everybody else, until they checked in at the Branson Tourism Center on July 2. Garcia, a Branson Tourism Center Travel Planner, sold the ticket as part of BTCs unique, free, personal “concierge” type service, offered through a toll free phone call 1-800-785-1550, which helps potential Branson visitors plan their vacation, get answers to questions and, as was the case with the Meekers, purchase their tickets and lodging.

Marsha said she called the Branson Tourism Center when she went on line, saw their website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com, and thought that would be the right place to get Branson information. When asked if she was right, she replied, “Absolutely!” She went on to say, Even before all this happened, “Everybody, was so friendly and so helpful.”

Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center said, “That’s one of the great joys in selling our 4 millionth ticket; they were all sold one at a time, with the same friendliness and helpfulness the Meekers felt, to wonderful people like the Meekers.

Branson Tourism Center celebrates 4 Millionth Ticket with Gift Card Giveaway

Use your gift card to see Sight and Sounds spectacular production of "Jonah" the smash hit of Branson's 2014 season.

Jonah, the smash hit of Branson’s 2014 season, is just one of the many Branson shows, attractions and lodging facilities that winners can use their gift cards on.

BRANSON, Mo., June 6, 2014 – “We are so excited that the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) has sold just under 4,000,000 tickets for Branson area shows and attractions and will pass that milestone later this month,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Just to think of the number of people those 4 million tickets represent, who have come to Branson and experienced its fun, excitement and adventure, is a humbling thought,” she added.

Wood said that, in celebration of the selling its 4 millionth ticket later this month, the Branson Tourism Center is having a 4 Millionth Ticket Celebration Sweepstakes giving away a Grand Prize of a $400 Branson Tourism Center Gift Card and 4 runner up prizes of $50 Branson Tourism Center Gift Cards. The gift cards can be used at BTC for the purchase of any the shows, attractions and lodging that it sells.

Entering the contest is simple and requires no purchase or requirement to have any social media account. Simply go to BTC’s 4 Millionth Ticket Celebration Sweepstakes page, enter your email address, read of the contest rules and submit your entry by clicking “Enter Now.” Once you have entered you’ll have the opportunity to get more entries by helping spread the word about the contest.

“At BTC the words, ‘We don’t sell discount vacations. We sell amazing vacations at a discount,’ are more than a slogan and one of the primary reasons why we will be selling our 4 millionth ticket this month,” Wood said.

Branson earns Traveler’s Choice for Top 25 U. S. Destinations

Main Street Cruise’s Landing Princess and Lake Queen viewing Branson Landing’s spectacular Water and Fire Show.

“Branson visitors are just amazing,” said Annette Wood, director of sales and marketing, for the Branson Tourism Center. “What a humbling experience that so many of them would take the time to comment on TripAdvisor® that Branson, a little town in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, would, for the first time, make the top 25 List of U.S. Destinations in ‘TripAdvisors® 6^th Annual Traveler’s Choice Destination Awards’ along with cities such as New York, Orlando, and New Orleans,” she added. Joining Branson, who was number 19 on the list, as “newbies to the top 25 was San Diego (7), Austin (18), Atlanta (20), Phoenix (21), St. Louis (23) and Nashville (24).

In announcing the awards, Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor said, “If you’re looking for trip inspiration, look no further than the Travelers’ Choice Destinations.” The award is based on the “quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, attractions and restaurants in destinations” that are “gathered over a 12-month period.” The description accompanying the award listing highlighted the number and variety of Branson shows, the natural beauty of the Ozarks and the “great fishing, hiking, biking and water sports” available in Branson.

Larry Milton, owner of Main Street Lake Cruises whose two boats, the Lake Queen and the Landing Princess, are featured in the illustration of the description accompanying the award listing said, “How neat is that, Branson is featured in the top 25 of this award list because of the efforts that travelers to Branson have made based on their own great Branson experiences. What a testimony to the efforts of our entertainers, shows, attractions, lodging providers and everyone else in Branson’s tourism industry who help provide our guests with that great experience.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood invites everyone to visit Branson and experience firsthand why this special little town nestled in the Ozarks is listed as one of the top 25 destinations in the U.S. For information on Branson shows, attractions, lodging and everything else that Branson offers please feel free to call the Branson Tourism Center toll free at 1-800-875-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Tony Orlando’s Final Branson Christmas Season

Tony Orlando in dressing room during a 2010 interview celebrating his 50th year of performing.

BRANSON, Mo., October 28, 2013 – “This is a last chance for Branson visitors to see Tony Orlando perform his inspiring Christmas show, The Great American Christmas in Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “His limited engagement Branson performances of the show from November 5 through November 28 will conclude 20 years of performing the show in Branson as Tony has announced he will be taking the show on the road starting in 2014,” she continued.

“Tony will sing all of your holiday favorites and will also include his greatest hits from over 50 years in show business; ‘Candida’, ‘Knock Three Times’, ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon’, ‘Sweet Gypsy Rose’ and more. Then, Santa pays a visit and Tony and Santa honor the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a Branson must see and a perennial family favorite!”

In announcing his final Branson Christmas season He said, “Branson is my home and I love being part of the community. After 20 years, I just feel it is time to take The Great American Christmas Show out to America.” In addition he “will continue his touring schedule with appearances at Performing Arts Centers and Casinos throughout the USA and Canada.” Dathan Atchison, General Manager of Welk Resort Branson said, “We are so excited and proud to have had such a legendary entertainer in our theatre for Christmas. There is no one like Tony!”

“In 1973, he recorded “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree.” The song was number one for the year, became Orlando’s theme song and grew into an American anthem of hope and homecoming, reunion and renewal. November 11th at 2pm, Tony will also host his 20th Yellow Ribbon Salute To Veterans, a star studded salute, free to all military past and present.”

For additional information on Tony Orlando’s The Great American Christmas or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com .

$1.7 Million Heart-Pounding KaPau Plummet White Water’s biggest thrill ever

KAPAU, when the "Aqua Launch" trap door opens riders plummet into the thrills of White Water's most thrilling ride ever.

BRANSON, Mo., October 28, 2013 – ” KAPAU,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “With the addition of the $1.7 million ‘KaPau Plummet’ for 2014, White Water, an already exciting and adventure filled water park experience, gets more thrilling. That’s one of the things that makes Branson such a special place to visit and revisit, its shows and attractions are always evolving looking for new ways to give its visitors something fresh, exciting and thrilling.”

“When designers and developers with Silver Dollar City Attractions set out to create a new 2014 ride for White Water, there was one mandate: The new ride must be The Biggest Thrill in White Water History. The concept began with the idea of a heart-pounding, drop-floor plunge. Now in initial stages of construction, the $1.7 million KaPau Plummet will open in Spring 2014 with two 240-foot slides, each launching riders from a drop-floor into a 70-degree plunge followed by a spiraling loop, promising to far exceed the thrill factor of any water ride ever built at the 13-acre tropically-themed water park located in Branson, Missouri.

“Those brave enough to dare the drop will experience a heart-pumping, breathtaking thrill that begins at the top of a 40-foot tower. Two encapsulated slides are the starting points for loading brave riders into a launch capsule. Once inside, the countdown begins: 3…2…1 KAPAU! The bottom of each slide drops out, creating a rider free fall at 70 degrees, speeding at 26 feet per second into a looping 240-foot translucent waterslide before final splashdown. Spectators will be able to see the riders take the rocket-like plunge and their spirals through the loops.

“‘The AquaLaunch trap door builds anticipation for an incredible drop below,” said Cory Roebuck, White Water Director of Operations, who explains “‘kapau’ is a slang U.S. surfer term meaning ‘the next big wave or the next big thing’ [and is] pronounced ‘KA-POW.’ Never before has White Water had such a thrilling ride. KaPau Plummet will literally take your breath away in an awesome plunge.”

Branson one of Condė Nast’s Top Ten Friendly Cities

Silver Dollar City associates have exemplified the standard for friendliness in Branson for over 50 years.

BRANSON, MO, July 31, 2013 – Branson was just named one of the top ten friendliest cities in America by the readers of Condė Nast Traveler in its “2013 Annual Readers Choice Survey” along with cities such as Asheville, North Carolina; Austin, Texas; Sonoma, California and Telluride, Colorado. In commenting on the results of the Condė Nast survey, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center was not surprised. “Along with the fabulous shows, attractions, fun and excitement that Branson is noted for, one of its ‘Hallmarks’ and things that helps make Branson so special is the friendliness of its people.”

She points out something that expresses just how important “friendliness” is to all that Branson is. “The Branson Promise,” says, “We believe that new people aren’t strangers, just friends who haven’t visited. We believe that every guest can be a part of our Branson family. From headline performers to the folks who sell the tickets, we invite you to become part of the fun we create every day.”

In summarizing why Branson was chosen as one of the top ten most friendliest cities, Condė Nast Traveler said, “‘A throwback to gentler times,’ Branson, Missouri, is a popular destination for visitors looking for a Southern twist on ‘great family entertainment for all ages.’ Newcomers to Branson also find themselves falling for the ‘good folk’ who call the city home. ‘The people are terrific, the shows are fun, and the area is peaceful and beautiful,’ says one fan of the area, which plays host to dozens of theaters, wineries, and tourist-friendly attractions. ‘Fun is at every turn.'”

“What better way to make special memories for your family than to take them to a place where there is ‘fun at every turn’ provided by some of the friendliest people in America,” Johnson said.

Branson Tourism Center celebrates 10 years of sharing Branson with the world

BRANSON, MO, May 24, 2013 — In its first decade of sharing what Branson offers with prospective visitors and helping them experience it, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) has grown from its initial three employees to over 85 and has become Branson’s largest seller of show and attraction tickets and lodging. When asked the reason for BTC’s phenomenal success, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “It is a combination of the positive message that BTC shares about all the great shows, attractions and other things Branson offers and our passion and ability to keep that message fresh, exciting and meaningful for potential Branson visitors.”

That thought was strongly reinforced by Lianne Milton, co-owner of the Branson Tourism Center with her husband Larry, who said, “Our passion and commitment to Branson and the visitors we serve is the same today as it was our very first day in business; making sure that each and every one of our customers, starting with the planning of their trip, has a great Branson experience.” Milton points out that like Branson itself, BTC is in the business of forming relationships and that BTC’s “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me” philosophy has helped it establish the meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with its customers, vendors and employees that enables BTC to consistently provide its customers with that “great Branson experience.”

For that to happen there had to be change in the way things had always been done. Larry Milton emphasizes that the basic marketing strategy that has brought BTC through its first ten years involves building a relationship with potential Branson visitors by virtually reaching out into their “living rooms” as they are thinking about or planning their vacations; convincing them to choose Branson and then making it easy for them to get here.”

This involved an effort to actually build a relationship with potential visitors and earn their business by providing them with a free unique personal “Concierge type” service to help them plan their Branson vacation or trip whether or not they actually ended up doing business with BTC. The service combines the power of the internet to present a wealth of information on Branson and offers prospective Branson visitors the opportunity to call BTC’s toll free number, 1-800-785-1550, and talk with a locally based Branson Travel Planner who will answer questions and help them with their tickets, reservations, lodging and everything else needed to help them have a great time in Branson.

The success of this concept was perhaps best expressed by the purchaser of BTC’s three millionth show and attraction ticket last year Peggy Barthel, from Florence, Mississippi, who had not visited Branson in over 30 years until her trip last year. After exploring the internet for a considerable time in an effort to get information and plan her trip she came across Branson Tourism Center’s number. She said, “One call that’s all, they just took care of everything. We’re just going to go up there and have fun.” Lianne Milton said, “Peggy’s comment reflects our goal and a major reason for our success during our first ten years in business; starting with the planning of the trip, we take care of everything and the customer just comes to Branson and has fun.”

“BTC’s ‘Branson Travel Agency‘ and ‘Groups Division‘ also provide a synergy and diversity of the services that are invaluable to our company’s success,” said Larry Milton. Milton emphasizes that BTC provides “one stop” shopping and assistance for all Branson travel services including tickets, lodging travel to and from Branson and much more whether it’s for an individual, family, or a large group.

As BTC enters its eleventh year of business the creativity, innovation and originality that has helped make it so successful through its first ten years has positioned it for continued success in the future. These include, in addition to BTC’s website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com, Branson’s largest interactive Branson internet forum, www.1Branson.com; its internet transactional site www.BransonOnTheWeb.com and a mobile “application” www.BransonTourismCenter.com which works on both Apple and Android devices.

“Branson.com – There’s only one,” is a reality that, both in terms of the information it provides and leading Branson onto the internet as its very first destination website, can only apply to one internet site, www.Branson.Com. From its inception it has been dedicated exclusively to providing Branson visitors with information about all there is to see and do in Branson. Since Branson Tourism Center’s acquisition of www.Branson.Com and its synchronization, coordination and optimization with the power and systems of www.BransonTourismCenter.com it has become one of the most complete, powerful and efficient tools available anywhere to get Branson information and, if desired, have instant access to, actually book, shows, attractions and lodging either on the internet or with the personal assistance of one of BTC’s Branson Travel Planners.

Branson Tourism Center has been the leader in many other innovative and customer directed initiatives. Among other things, this includes a no hassle low price guarantee; gas discount coupons; its Concierge Perks Program and maintaining an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. It also provides the facilities and resources to personally greet each one of their customers as they arrive in Branson in order to ensure they have everything they ordered, directions, maps, and a contact number to call if there are any problems while they are in Branson. Even though BTC is open from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM for most of the year, there is a Duty Manager on call 24/7 should a customer need assistance.

Lianne Milton says that she looks forward to the start of the second decade of serving Branson and its visitors knowing that BTC’s innovation, creativity and passion for serving Branson, their vendors and customers will ensure its continued success into the next decade and beyond.

Branson Tourism Center is one of Branson’s largest providers of Branson travel services and has over 85 employees. It is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau of Southwest Missouri with an A+ rating. Among other organizations, it is a member of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, Better Business Bureau, American Society of Travel Agents, American Bus Association, and the Branson Lakes Area Lodging Association. Branson Tourism Center may be reached by calling 1-800-978-1999.

Tammy Johnson – a friend of the Branson traveler

Tammy Johnson Branson Tourisim Center's Director of Operations

BRANSON, MO, March 11, 2013 — The term “Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center” has appeared after her comments in hundreds of internet articles on Branson over the last four years. That’s not just because she works for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and a BBB accredited business with an A+ rating that has sold over 3 million Branson show and attraction tickets. Simply put, it’s because she has over three and a half decades of specific experience in serving Branson visitors, is dedicated to helping them have the best Branson experience possible and, perhaps more importantly, knows what she is talking about.

Tammy Johnson is no “Betty Crocker” type marketing creation, she is the real deal. During an interview Johnson said that she started in the Branson tourism industry cleaning rooms when she was 11 years old. Since that time she has acquired extensive experience in the Branson tourism industry by working in many of its different aspects from funnel cakes and waiting on tables to working the front desk, auditing, sales and managing one of Branson’s largest lodging properties.

Her last position, prior to starting with the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) in 2008, was as the General Manager for Branson’s Radisson Hotel, a position which she held for 12 years. In her current position, as the Director of Operations for BTC, she works directly under the owners of the business, Lianne and Larry Milton, supervising and coordinating the activities of over 100 employees with the tens of thousands of Branson visitors and hundreds of Branson shows, attractions, lodging establishments and other vendors BTC serves each year to insure that its customers have the best Branson experience possible.

Johnson points out that BTC is an internet based marketing company dedicated to marketing the fun, excitement and adventure that Branson has to offer. Remarkably, none of that marketing is based on either outbound calling or by intercepting visitors once they get to Branson. It is all done through people establishing a relationship with BTC prior to coming to Branson by calling 1-800-875-1550 or one of its other toll free numbers, or directly through the internet, as a result of its presence on the internet. This presence is reflected through one of its websites such as Branson’s original website, www.Branson.Com, www.BransonTourismCenter or www.BransonOnTheWeb; social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter or one of the hundreds of articles on Branson and what it offers that BTC publishes on the internet each year.

As mentioned above, in addition to her many other duties Johnson’s expertise is often used in the articles BTC publishes on the internet because of her broad Branson tourism background and the fact that she is intimately involved with its operation on a daily basis. To paraphrase the Hallmark Card slogan, when it comes to serving its customers and potential Branson visitors, “BTC cares enough to give its very best.”