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Richard J. Codey |
Virginia S. Bauer |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Mary
Caffrey -609.984.2888 |
| What's in a Name? Trenton (December 17, 2004)—Commerce Secretary Virginia S. Bauer today welcomed the official name change of the Commerce Commission at a ceremony with industry and government leaders at the Old Barracks in Trenton. "The state's lead economic development agency is now called the New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Commission," said Bauer. "With this move, we are elevating the status of tourism and placing greater emphasis on state government’s role in promoting this multi-billion-dollar industry." The name change is pursuant to the reorganization plan filed by the Governor's Office on October 18, 2004. In addition, a revised mission statement was also filed, which for the first time gives the Commission the mandate to increase tourism through promotional, informational and developmental programs. The conclusions from Casino Reinvestment Development Authority's recent Summit at the Shore indicated that New Jersey must be able to better compete in the tourism marketplace by providing a quality visitor experience and value as well as marketing and communicating our tourism product more efficiently. "This increased identity will give the industry more clout in creating and developing a comprehensive tourism program," said Tourism Executive Director Nancy Byrne. A number of enhancements already are underway. These include the expansion of opportunities for travel destinations, attractions and special event planners to partner with the Commission through the Cooperative Marketing Sponsorship Program; improving customer service, especially in Welcome Centers and Travel Plazas as well as enhancing and forging partnerships with industry leaders to help promote New Jersey. Tourism is among New Jersey’s most valuable assets and one of the most vital contributors to the state economy. It is an industry that generates $30 billion in spending while creating more than 416,000 jobs and bringing more than $2 billion in tax revenues into the state each year. Last year, the state spent roughly $75 million to support the tourism sector. This includes funding for state parks, beaches, museums, marketing and other programs. In comparison, tourism generated more than $2 billion in state tax revenue last year - over 22 times the amount invested. Additionally, tourism was responsible for 6.2% of all state revenue in 2003 and generated 5.4% of New Jersey's Gross State Product. "With this revitalized commitment on behalf of the State of New Jersey, we are ensuring tourism remains a priority for future generations and redeeming our reputation as a premier travel destination," Bauer added.
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