July 9, 2026
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM


2nd Quarter Review:

  • Tourism Tax from TCED – Down 3.2%, but overall projection up
  • Tourism Tax from City – Down 9.7%, but overall, up 1.6% for the year
  • Market Trends:
    • Occupancy: Hotels reported occupancy down in 2nd Quarter ~4% year-to-date. Overall, the committee reported that visitor counts are relatively flat, and spending per person is down, but last-minute bookings are increasing.
    • Buyer Behavior: Travelers are more critical, prioritizing ticketed experiences over add-ons and seeking hands-on, new experiences. Examples include crafts, sip‑and‑paint, packaged, or activity-based itineraries.
    • Group Demand: The committee reported strong interest from sporting groups and family reunions. These groups often buy packages and visit local attractions that bundle value.

 

Student Youth Travel Association Annual Conference – August 21-24, 2026 (Pittsburgh, PA)

  • Ice Cream Booth
    • ​The committee voted on prepackaged ice-cream bars to simplify operations and reduce union labor costs.
    • The ice cream booth will be open on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from
  • Under the Stars
    • Location: Kamin Science Center
    • Event Time: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
      • 2nd Floor Broadhurst Overlook – Main Stage and Dancefloor
      • 3rd Floor Pointview Hall – Acoustic Stage, Networking Area, Hat Bar, Photo Booth
  • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • ​The deadline for SYTA sponsorship opportunities is July 24, 2026

 

Upcoming Events

  • Branson Student FAM - October 13-16, 2026
    • April FAM Attendees - Registration Deadline: August 14, 2026
  • NTA Travel Exchange - November 15-18, 2026 (Tulsa, OK)
    • Special Offer: $400 Membership for the Rest of 2026
    • Early Bird Registration Regardless of when you register

 

2027 Events

  • RCMA, Emerge - January 5-7, 2027 (Orlando, FL)
    • ​Religious Travel Planners, Religious Education Leaders
  • ABA Marketplace - February 6-9, 2027 (Calgary, AB)
    • New Booth Activation: Coffee Shop, 20x20
  • TMEA - February 10-13, 2027 (San Antonio, TX)
    • Explore Branson Dine-Around: February 11, 2026
  • NTA Contact - May 19-22, 2027 (Branson, MO)
    • More Information and Partnership Opportunities Coming Soon
  • SYTA - August 13-16, 2027 (Ottawa, ON)

 

2026 Committee Dates

  • Q3 Committee Meeting - October 8, 2026
    • ​11:00 AM, Branson Chamber & CVB / Microsoft Teams
  • Q4 Committee Meeting – January 7, 2027
    • 11:00 AM, Branson Chamber & CVB / Microsoft Teams