Now the rest of the world knows what travelers to Branson, Missouri have known for years, Branson is one of the top travel values in the country! On February 17, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) published a press release entitled “What U.S. Destinations Are Most Budget Friendly for Travelers?” The release pointed out that a lot of Americans are looking for a way to travel in 2009, but with the economy the way it is those travelers are looking for an affordable way to do it.
ASTA is made up of travel professionals with a mission “to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism.” ASTA’s President Chris Russo, boiled it down in terms of practicality and what that means to the individual traveler when he said, “Travel agents are experts at finding the best value for their clients.” Russo continued, “When every penny counts, using the services of a professional ASTA travel agent can mean the difference between enjoying a vacation with friends and family or staying home.”
ASTA polled those agents asking them what they thought “the most budget-friendly destinations for travel in the United States in 2009 were going to be.” The result was no surprise to those who have been coming to Branson for years because of its combination of shows, attractions, natural beauty, lakes, activities and entertainment and affordability. Branson, Missouri came in third behind Las Vegas and Orlando/DisneyWorld and ahead of New Orleans and Los Angeles.
Even a cursory check of a Branson destination website such as Branson.Com or Branson Tourism Center indicates that Branson offers a combination of live shows, attractions, shopping, and other entertainment activities closely tied into its lakes and the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains that is unrivaled at other destination cities. As one drills down through those sites into the prices for show tickets, attractions, and lodging it quickly becomes apparent why Branson, Missouri was selected the third “most budget-friendly destinations for travel in the United States in 2009.”
