Branson, Missouri Reigns as
Top Motorcoach Destination of the Decade
BRANSON, Mo., May 14, 2007 - Branson and Silver Dollar City are both
Top 10 picks in the nation for tour and travel, according to a recent industry
survey -- indicators that the Southwest Missouri town known for live entertainment
and world-class family attractions remains a national favorite.
In the annual survey conducted by the National Motorcoach Network,
Branson placed number 3 on the Top 10 Destinations list, following Pigeon
Forge and Washington, D.C., and ahead of cities including Nashville, Chicago
and New York.
Complete Top 10 survey results of the
National Motorcoach Network:
.
Top 10 Destinations
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Top 10 Man-Made Attractions
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1. Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
2. Washington, D.C.
3. Branson, Mo.
4. Nashville, Tenn.
5. Chicago, Ill.
6. Atlantic City, N.J.
7. Philadelphia, Pa.
8. New York, N.Y.
9. Williamsburg, Va.
10. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas |
1. Disney World
2. Grand Ole Opry/Opryland
3. Washington, D.C. (monuments and Smithsonian museum)
4. Statue of Liberty
5. Graceland
6. Silver Dollar City
7. Dollywood
8. Pennsylvania Dutch Country
9. Henry Fort Museum and Greenfield Village
10. Universal Studios |
.
.
Top 10 Motorcoach States
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Top 10 Motorcoach Restaurants
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1. Pennsylvania
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Tennessee
5. South Carolina
6. Virginia
7. New York
8. Missouri
9. Kentucky
10. North Carolina |
1. Cracker Barrel
2. Bob Evans
3. Golden Corral
4. Shoney's
5. Olive Garden
6. Piccadilly Cafeterias
7. Western Sizzlin'
8. Landry's Seafood Restaurants
9. Applebee's
10. Rainforest Cafe |
.
Top 5 Natural Attractions
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1. Niagara Falls
2. Black Hills of South Dakota / Mount Rushmore
3. Yellowstone National Park
4. Grand Canyon
5. Cape Cod |
"I don't think Branson has ever been below number 4 in all the years
of our survey," said Steve Kirchner, editor and publisher of Byways, the
National Motorcoach Network magazine. "Branson has been number 1, 2, 3
or 4 consistently for 17 years and that's pretty amazing." In fact, Branson's
consistent high ranking in the survey earned it the title of Top Motorcoach
Destination of the Decade in 2000, a testament to the city's product, hospitality
and service, according to Kirchner.
Silver Dollar City ranked sixth in the survey's list of Top 10 Man-Made
Attractions, with Disney World, the Grand Ole Opry and Opryland, Washington,
D.C., the Statue of Liberty and Graceland, and ahead of such attractions
as Universal Studios. The 1880s-style theme park has been internationally
awarded for excellence in theme, presentation and operations, including
the worldwide Applause Award and the THEA Award from the Themed Entertainment
Association.
"At Silver Dollar City, we have much to offer motorcoach travelers,
with six festivals, our demonstrating craftsmen, unique craft shops, great
food and shows," said General Manager Brad Thomas. "We appreciate being
among the favorite attractions nationwide and continually add elements
that give our guests more reasons to visit."
"We're pleased to be recognized as a top motorcoach destination, and
we value the great service that the motorcoach industry provides to visitors
seeking convenient travel to favorite destinations," said Ross Summers,
president of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber and CVB. "Once they bring visitors
here, we promise Branson shows them a great time."
Referencing another of the survey's Top 10, the restaurant picks are
well- represented in Branson too, Summers said, with seven of the top 10
within the city: Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, Golden Corral, Shoney's, Olive
Garden, Landry's and Applebee's.
The annual Top 10 rankings of the National Motorcoach Network are compiled
from surveys of member operators indicating where they plan to travel in
the coming year.
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