Most Branson Timeshares, Hotels, and Attractions Open for Business after Tornado

The popular family vacation destination of Branson, Missouri, was hit by a tornado, which was part of a powerful storm system that produced multiple tornadoes on the morning of February 29, 2012.

The tornado was classified as an F2 tornado, and although it produced significant storm damage, there have been no reported fatalities. The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau has issued the following update on damage to the tourist area and attractions:

• The majority of the storm damage centered around the Historic Downtown area, Branson Landing and a section of W 76 Country Boulevard west of Gretna Road/Hwy 165. Recovery and rebuilding efforts are already underway.
• The Branson Airport was unaffected by the storms, and flights are departing and arriving with no delays. Major attractions such as Silver Dollar City, Sight and Sound Theatre, and Showboat Branson Belle (while closed during the first quarter of the year), sustained no damage; TITANIC Museum Attraction, Tanger Outlet Mall, and numerous theatres, attractions, restaurants and retail stores are also undamaged and remain open and welcoming visitors to the Live Music Show Capital of the World.
• There are currently very few road closures in the Branson area due to storm damage. Portions of Country Music Highway 76 are currently restricted due to recovery efforts. Currently five or six of the more than 50 theatres in Branson have sustained significant damage as a result of the storms. City of Branson inspection crews are currently assessing the situation. Approximately 12-15 of the more than 200 hotels in Branson have sustained significant damage as a result of the storms. City of Branson inspection crews are currently assessing the situation. Approximately five to six of the more than 100 attractions in Branson have sustained significant damage as a result of the storms. City of Branson inspection crews are currently assessing the situation.

Branson Timeshare Vacation Destination Open for Business

Lynn Berry, Branson CVB Director of Public Relations, told The Timeshare Authority that 90 percent of the town was not damaged by the storm and stressed that most of the shops, restaurants, shows, hotels, timeshares, and other attractions that make Branson such a popular vacation destination are open for business.

Lynn Berry explained, “For more than 100 years we have been welcoming people to Branson. We have such wonderful visitors who come here and at this time, we especially need them to come see us.”

Branson’s message is one we’ve shared here before on The Timeshare Authority blog. When a community whose economy is dependent on tourism and vacationing is impacted by natural disaster, all those who love and value that community and the vacations they have enjoyed there, need to step up. Avoiding a storm impacted vacation spot multiplies the damage and devastation of that storm by depriving the community of the vacation dollars and tourism tax revenues that are so critical to most economies.

Branson, Missouri is a charming vacation area whose Midwest location makes it readily accessible to millions of vacationing families. Billed as “America’s affordable, wholesome family entertainment capital,” the shows, activities, and natural beauty of Branson have been part of treasured vacation experiences for generations. And as the Branson CVB reminds us, “The resilience of the Ozark people, their faith and steadfast nature will shine through this unfortunate situation, and Branson will rebuild and recover quickly.”

There’s never been a better time to plan a Branson vacation or a time when your visit and your patronage will be more appreciated.

For further updates visit www.ExploreBranson.com or call 800-296-0463.

For updates on your Branson timeshare, contact your resort directly.

You will also find current information on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BransonTornadoInfo and https://www.facebook.com/bransoncvb

Individuals and groups interested in volunteering or providing assistance to the recovery effort can visit VolunteerBranson.org.