Despite the Recent Tornado, the City of Branson Isn't Missing a Beat

BRANSON, Mo., June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- After an EF-2 tornado hit Branson, Missouri on February 29, 2012, the spirit and resilience of the local Ozarks community is shining through.  Most local businesses affected by the storm have reopened, and those requiring more extensive repairs are making significant progress.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, has more branded hotels in Branson than any other hotel company.  Choice Hotels is pleased to report that all of its Branson properties are open and ready for business.

In fact, several of these properties were honored with awards and nominations recently.  The Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills received the 2012 Comfort Inn of the Year award.  Two other properties in Branson, the Comfort Inn West and the Comfort Inn & Suites, were also finalists for the award. Additionally, The Clarion Hotel at the Palace was a finalist for the 2012 Clarion Hotel of the Year award.

"We want vacationers to know that Branson is open and people are having great summer vacations here.  With Choice Hotels International's promotions, the value of coming to Branson and staying at a Choice Hotels brand property can't be beat," said Chris Myer, vice president of marketing for the Comfort Inns in Branson.    

Ross Summers, president of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber and CVB, is happy to see a large number of guests early in the season.  "We're thrilled that for the most part, folks aren't discouraged from visiting. They hear us loud and clear – we are open for business!" said Summers.

Major local attractions include Silver Dollar City theme park, Titanic Museum, Branson's IMAX Entertainment Complex, Tanger Outlet Mall, Sight & Sound Theatres and Showboat Branson Belle. These businesses were undamaged, and are delighted to welcome visitors to Branson, the live music show capital of the world.

"We are looking forward to a great 2012 season with Silver Dollar City attractions as we present our biggest festival and show year ever," says Lisa Rau, director of public relations at Silver Dollar City. "Our internationally-acclaimed theme park is adding new production shows to each of the 6 world-class festivals that are on top of the Silver Dollar City experience. Once people experience Silver Dollar City, and Branson as a whole, they want to come back year after year."

Over 50 theatres are conveniently located in Branson, which feature a wide array of entertaining shows and performances. A list of scheduled shows is available at www.ibranson.com.

Additionally, the City of Branson, Missouri is proud to celebrate its centennial anniversary of heritage, harmony and hospitality in 2012. Branson will host a year long birthday party featuring a variety of events, moments of reflection, museum exhibit openings, exciting merchant promotions, and a special street party.

About Branson

Branson, Missouri, nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains, is America's affordable, wholesome family entertainment capital that emphasizes fun, comfort and the feeling of being right at home. Featuring an array of live theaters, attraction venues and active recreational pursuits, the community embodies essential American values such as patriotism, faith, courage and generosity of spirit in a warm, inviting atmosphere that is truly genuine and heartfelt. For more information, visit ibranson.com or call 1-877-ENTERTAIN.

SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.