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James E. McGreevey |
William D. Watley |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Karen Wolfe - 609.292.2523 |
| EVENT-FILLED 2004 GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON TOURISM SLATED FOR MARCH 17-19, 2004 Trenton, N.J. (February 4, 2004)—New Jersey's natural, historic and scenic wonders will come alive at the 2004 Governor's Conference on Tourism, sponsored by the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism and the New Jersey Travel & Industry Association March 17-19 at the Crowne Plaza Meadowlands in Secaucus. As a cornerstone industry generating $27 billion in direct revenues and $31 billion in indirect revenues annually, tourism remains the lifeblood of New Jersey's diverse economy. The annual Governor's Conference provides a fantastic opportunity to highlight successes of the past year while providing an informative and educational forum for participants to advance their standing in a growing yet highly competitive industry. Featured speakers are scheduled to include Governor James E. McGreevey, Commerce Secretary William D. Watley, Nancy J. Byrne, Executive Director of the Office of Travel & Tourism and Robert C. Patterson, President of the New Jersey Travel & Industry Association. "More than anything, the Conference is an invaluable educational tool for anyone who makes their livelihood within the industry," said Nancy J. Byrne. "As the organizers, our finger must continually be on the pulse of an ever-changing industry, and as such we strive to address the concerns and needs of businesses to heighten their competitiveness." The 2004 Governor's Conference will include forums and panel discussions focusing on diverse topics. Detailed sessions on Thursday, March 18, will include "Evolving, Under-Developed Markets," to help tourism business people and government leaders stay ahead of developments in the tourism marketplace; "Legislative Issues for the Tourism Industry," to keep active relationships with government representatives in maintaining a favorable business environment for New Jersey tourism; "What Buyers Want," will focus on the need to nurture growing and favorable partnerships between buyers and suppliers of hospitality products; and "Updating the State's Tourism Master Plan" will offer a report on the priorities of the Master Plan while discussing issues critical to the tourism industry. Highlighting the festivities on March 18 will be the Governor Awards Luncheon that will feature remarks by Governor James E. McGreevey and honor the stars of New Jersey's tourism industry. The agenda for Friday, March 19, will include "How to Build a Destination," offering success stories and guidance on building and enhancing tourism destinations; "Cooperation Between Tourism Organizations: How to Connect, Communicate and Cooperate," providing success stories from Asbury Park, Princeton and Millville; "Effective Use of the News Media: Cable TV & the Internet," offering tips from professionals on how to best utilize these essential marketing outlets; and "Building and Growing Your Business With State and Federal Resources," where state and federal representatives will provide an overview of how to identify, understand and take advantage of the plentiful resources available. Registration for the Conference is on Wednesday, March 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Meadowlands and also the following morning, March 18, at 8:30 a.m. Guests are also invited to participate in a fabulous "Dine Around Hoboken" on Wednesday, March 17. A celebration of St. Patrick's Day, the leisurely, self-guided journey will include tour operators, meeting planners and many others amid one of New Jersey's most trendy and exciting cities. The cost is $30 (including food and beverage), and complimentary transportation to and from the Crowne Plaza Meadowlands will be provided. To learn more about the 2004 Governor's Conference on Tourism, contact the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism at (609) 292-2470 or download this year's registration form by visiting www.visitnj.org.
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