James E. McGreevey
Governor

William D. Watley
Secretary of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Karen Wolfe - 609.292.2523

NEW JERSEY'S DIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK

Trenton, N.J. (May 1, 2003)—America's unique historical and scenic appeal attracts thousands of travelers each and every year, from every corner of the globe and from every culture and ethnicity imaginable. What better was to celebrate National Tourism Week (May 10-18) than by highlighting the wonders of New Jersey, a state that encompasses so much of America's larger appeal within its own borders.

"Tourism revenues provide an anchor of economic stability throughout the nation," said Nancy J. Byrne, executive director of New Jersey's Office of Travel & Tourism. "This is no better illustrated than in the Garden State, where our diversity of sights and attractions run the entire gamut, from the American Revolution to Thomas Edison to Great Adventure to the Jersey Shore."

Travel and Tourism is the nation's second largest services export industry, third largest retail sales industry and one of America's largest employers. It is in fact the first, second or third largest employer in 29 U.S. states. The U.S. travel industry received more than $545 billion last year, including international passenger fares, from domestic and international travelers. In New Jersey, it remains the state's second largest industry, accounting for more than 800,000 jobs and $31 billion in traveler expenditures annually.

National Tourism Week was established in 1983, when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution designating the week to be celebrated in May 1984.

The Garden State is divided in six, diverse tourism regions, each offering residents and visitors alike it's own unique vision of New Jersey.

Liberty, inventions and entertainment await visitors to the Gateway Region-home of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Thomas Edison's Labs, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and more. Stretching from the northern points of Passaic County down the Atlantic coast to Middlesex County, the Gateway Region has come to epitomize the variety of sites and attractions that have become the hallmark of New Jersey's tourism industry.

History and natural scenic wonders abound next door throughout the Skylands Region (northwestern New Jersey.). Retrace George Washington's victorious steps during the American Revolution in Morristown, or simply relax amid the breathtaking views along the Delaware Water Gap. Or spend time in quaint country towns to discover places like Flemington, Clinton and Lambertville.

Visitors to the Delaware River Region (southwestern New Jersey) will learn firsthand why the history of New Jersey is the history of America. From Trenton to Princeton and the hallowed halls of the Statehouse to Princeton University, so much of the nation's past can be found right here. For leisure time, the region encompasses activities from the world famous musicians that drop by regularly at the Tweeter Center in Camden to the future stars of the New York Yankees at Waterfront Park, home of the Trenton Thunder.

From fond childhood memories to romantic getaways and everything in between, summertime in the Garden State means spending time in the Shore Region (Monmouth and Ocean counties). From Great Adventure to mile upon miles of beaches and boardwalk, from Belmar to Barnegat, the towns along New Jersey's shoreline offer something unique for visitors amid their shared white sandy beaches. Whether at Jenkinson's Aquarium, Tuckerton Seaport or at the abundance of lively clubs that spark the area's nightlife, the Shore Region has something for all tastes and preferences.

America's Favorite Playground has never been better, and while Atlantic City remains the crown jewel of the Greater Atlantic City Region, the area is far from a one-trick pony. Championship golf highlights a virtual sporting paradise, while places like the restored, 146-year old Absecon Lighthouse, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum and the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge offers fabulous alternatives for every interest.

Victorian Splendor and scenic wonders are commonplace throughout the Southern Shore Region. Historic trolley's and harbor lights define the beauty of Cape May - America's first seaside resort - while Wheaton Village and the unique "Doo Wop" architecture of Wildwood add to the region's historic appeal. Of course, that doesn't mean that children and adults can't revel in the modern-day amusements that are commonplace in towns such as Ocean City, Sea Isle City and The Wildwoods.

For more information on these and other attractions, access the New Jersey tourism website at www.visitnj.org. Or, request a colorful 2003 Travel Guide to help plan your upcoming summer vacation.