Located on Missouri’s southern border with Arkansas, Taney County is home to world-famous tourist destination, Branson, Missouri. And while tourism is the region’s bread and butter, its business acumen should not be underestimated.
Millions of tourists visit the "Live Entertainment Capital of the World" each year to take advantage of the region’s three beautiful lakes, more than 40 music theaters, and its 13 world-class golf courses. According to the City of Branson, visitors to the city add $1.7 billion to the local economy each year. Branson was recently ranked No. 21 on New York Times’ global 52 Places to Go in 2018.
"Being listed along with other great destinations around the world really highlights the wide variety of live entertainment, outdoor adventure and family fun that visitors can enjoy in Branson," said Lynn Berry, the Director of Communications for the Branson CVB.
The Times noted Branson’s Silver Dollar City 1880s-style theme park and its newest roller coaster, the Time Traveler — which is set to be the world’s tallest, steepest and fastest complete-circuit spinning coaster — as must-visit attractions. The $26-million roller coaster boasts the most inversions ever on a spinning coaster and is the first and only in the world to include three different inversions; a dive loop, a zero-G roll and a vertical loop.
"We are looking forward to sharing our lakes, golf courses, shopping and attractions with the world this year. Our welcome mat is out and ready!" said Branson Mayor Karen Best.
But there’s more to the region than Branson’s world-class attractions. The Taney County Partnership, a public/private partnership that supports the region’s economic development, focuses on the surrounding cities of Branson, Hollister, Forsyth, Rockaway Beach, Kirbyville, Merriam Woods, Bull Creek and Taneyville. With a labor shed of more than 250,000 highly skilled workers, award-winning health care, top ranked universities and seven accredited school districts, the region boasts both and exceptional quality of life and opportunities for business growth.
