James E. McGreevey
Governor

William D. Watley
Secretary of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Karen Wolfe - 609.292.2523

NEW JERSEY OFFICE OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM LAUNCHES NEW SUMMER AD CAMPAIGN

Trenton, N.J. (April 10, 2003)—The New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism (NJOTT) kicked off the summer tourism season today with the unveiling of a multi-media advertising campaign that showcases the Garden State's diverse and highly accessible recreational destinations.

The first phase of the two-phase campaign exhibits a montage of New Jersey's most attractive and entertaining summer assets such as the Jersey shore, parks, casinos, amusement parks and more. The television ads are airing in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Baltimore, Maryland, Harrisburg-Lancaster-York and Wilkes-Barre Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Beginning on May 19, the second phase of the summer campaign will air in the regional markets of Philadelphia and New York, reaching consumers who are likely to drive to the New Jersey shore by car, stay a night, spend a weekend or plan an extended vacation. The objective of these television advertisements is to reinforce how the New Jersey shore is safe and nearby, while maintaining its identity as a unique destination.

"New Jersey has so much to offer, from long days on our miles of beaches to exciting nights in our casinos and first-class restaurants," said Nancy Byrne, executive director of the New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism. "There's something for everyone and this new ad campaign spotlights how much more there is to love about our state."

According to officials from the New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism, the uncertainty of world events will reinforce the growing trend of more families choosing to stay closer to home, opting instead for regional vacations and other recreational activities within a few hours' drive. This climate caters to New Jersey's tourism industry, which offers a breadth and depth of vacation opportunities unmatched in the Atlantic region.

The New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism's preliminary statistics for 2002 show that the number of travelers visiting the Garden State last year increased by 2 percent over 2001, and that spending in New Jersey by visitors increased by 8 percent. In addition, 78 percent of those who traveled to New Jersey in 2002 chose their car as the primary source of transportation.

"New Jersey's tourism industry is a vital economic engine for our state," said Byrne. "In difficult times, this campaign is a strategic investment in local economies across New Jersey, from the shore towns of Ocean, Monmouth, Atlantic and Cape May, to the our great cities that boast a treasure trove of arts, culture, fine dining, and entertainment. New Jersey's playground is open to everyone, and we're looking forward to a robust 2003 tourist season."

All of New Jersey's attractions and destinations are at visitors' fingertips through the 2003 New Jersey Travel Guide, which is packed with 152 full-color pages that detail the Garden State's attractions, beaches, history, outdoors, shopping, sports and more. The cover of the 2003 edition of the guide features an impressionistic watercolor depicting Morristown's Towne Greene painted by acclaimed Czech-born artist Kamil Kubik. The watercolor also celebrates Morristown's 2002 designation by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, representing the best-preserved and unique communities in the United States.

Along with the 2003 Travel Guide, a host of other travel and entertainment brochures are available from the New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism, including the African American Tour Guide to Fun & Attractions, the Latino Visitors Guide, the Beach Guide, the Shopping Guide, the Golf Guide, and Lighthouse Guide. Brochures are available online at the Office of Travel and Tourism's Web site or by calling the Office of Travel and Tourism.

For more information on touring, dining, places to stay, maps and a complete vacation kit, contact the New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism, at 1-800-VISITNJ (847-4865); or log on to www.visitnj.org.