Why Branson for Group Tours?

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Heleena Campbell Headshot

Why Branson for Group Tours?

Greetings from Branson, MO! 

I wanted to take a moment and share some of my experiences of working in Group Travel in Branson over the years. And ultimately my own personal WHY.

My Journey to the Heart of America

So how did a girl that grew up in the tourism hotspot of Orlando, FL, end up in Branson, MO?

I get asked that a lot. 

Well, the short answer is life happens and it happened to drop me in Branson, MO, for what I thought would be a year or two. 

That was 20 years ago! 

And honestly, that was one of the best happenstances of my life. I fell in love with this community fast. I remember the first time I drove into Branson via Highway 65, coming over the hills and seeing the gorgeous Ozark mountain country on my way to a church conference. 

This place felt different, peaceful. It didn’t take long for me to notice how the community was so different than what I had experienced in all the other places that life had taken me. These folks waved as you passed them on the road, they looked you in the eye when they said hello with kindness and a genuineness that is rare these days.  

God, Family & Country in Branson

I quickly learned the Branson bedrock anthem of God, family, and country. It wasn’t just a motto or a gimmick. It is how life is lived here. 

The first time I was in a live show, a magic show if memory serves correctly, the magician asked if there were any veterans in the audience. He then asked them to stand while we all applauded and said thank you. I was in awe. 

As I continued to get involved in the tourism industry of Branson, I saw these principles were truly embedded in the businesses here. Families ran and operated thriving businesses that didn’t shy away from their mission of taking care of their employees like family, the freedom to express their values without fear, and giving their guests a feeling of belonging with wonderful, wholesome memories. 

This little town of roughly 10,000 residents entertaining literally millions of visitors for decades was something truly special. 

Joining the Theatre Business in Branson

I have been a part of the theatre business here in Branson for about 18 years and have had the privilege of working in the group sales market for 10 years. During this time, I still get the same statements from group tour leaders that haven’t been to Branson before, usually about the misconceptions. 

But my all-time biggest thrill in sales is once they are HERE it’s always the same “Oh wow this is nothing like I expected!” 

It’s hard to summarize the magic we possess. 

There is so much to offer in such a relatively small town. With over 100 live performance shows, ranging from magic, acrobats, family-friendly comedy, shows produced for KIDS, classic country music, rock and roll, Motown, variety shows, biblical productions, incredible live music, and just about anything that would tickle your ears and warm your heart are here all in one place! 

On top of all the live performance theatres, we are home to the most beautiful lakes, a world-class theme park, awesome shopping, and attractions for every age group.

But honestly, it’s the people and the heart that makes our destination so appealing, that is what is echoed in so many guests’ responses to their trip here. 

Welcoming Group Tours to Branson Any Time of Year

So how does this translate for your group and clients? It translates to fun-filled memories that last a lifetime and all the known benefits that travel can bring. Over the next few months, I will be writing about a variety of topics involved in our group travel and travel agent industry from my perspective. 

If you are interested in learning how to best sell our destination, how to build an itinerary that fits your guests’ needs and wants, and how to maximize your commissions while still selling a domestic destination for your clients, then please come back for more. I will be covering these topics and so much more. 

Thank you for taking the time in allowing me to introduce myself and for your interest or love of Branson.