| Tourism Excellence Awards Presented
At 2006 Governor's Conference On Tourism
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (April 6, 2006) —Awards for Tourism Excellence were presented today to 10 organizations that exemplify the state’s tourism industry during the 2006 Governor’s Conference on Tourism Awards Luncheon at the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City.
“The State’s tourism industry continues to serve
as a valuable and primary contributor to our economy,” said Commerce
Secretary Virginia Bauer. “This year’s winners were responsible
for a banner year for New Jersey’s attractions and events.”
Nancy Byrne, tourism executive director said, “This
year’s winners should be commended for their continued work and dedication
in promoting the industry as one filled with excitement and providing enjoyment
and satisfaction to visitors in every corner of the state.”
This year's Excellence in Tourism winners include:
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Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce
for the Fabulous 50's Weekend. This celebration of Wildwood's unique
place in pop-culture history increased tourism expenditures during the
beach resort's shoulder season. In its third year, the Fabulous 50's
Weekend has quickly snowballed, attracting visitors from around the country
and spawning a second, springtime event to celebrate the music of the
60's.
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Sussex County Office of Farmland Preservation & Conservation for recognition of its ongoing commitment to its farmers and the tourism industry. Through valuable partnerships and events like the NJ State Fair, the organization's 10-year-running agritourism program understands that an obligation to tourism means providing a healthy quality of life to residents.
Skylands of NJ Tourism Council for Frenchtown Riverfest. The Riverfest showcases a way in which a non-profit tourism organization can collaborate with historic, ecological, and farmland preservation organizations to create an event that lures visitors to an unfamiliar area of New Jersey. The event filled all overnight hotel and bed & breakfast accommodations within a 15-mile radius of Frenchtown. Steve Steiner of Surflight Theater for demonstrating notable leadership and diplomacy in the New Jersey Tourism Industry. During his 8-year tenure at Beach Haven's Surflight Theater, attendance numbers have doubled. In addition, he has encouraged tour groups, engaged in dynamic packaging and partnerships, and demonstrated a commitment to his community through educational programs. His work is an excellent example of the valuable relationship between tourism and the arts in New Jersey. Wheaton Village for its exemplary exhibition of international art glass entitled "Particle Theories." The exhibition raised awareness of the quality of New Jersey's cultural attractions and enjoyed substantial recognition nationally from artists, scholars, and collectors while adding value to what is already and outstanding visitor experience and an excellent example of experiential tourism. Gables of Cape May County for tapping a growing niche market through their "Rainbow Directory" which promotes New Jersey to gay and lesbian travelers. The Rainbow Directory, New Jersey's only publication of its kind, is a list of gay-friendly events and establishments. In only 6 years it has expanded quickly, covering the Jersey Shore from Asbury Park to Cape May, as well as Cumberland, Hunterdon, and Mercer Counties. Southern Shore Region Tourism Council for the South Jersey Vacationer publication and the valuable, lasting partnerships it has forged. The publication synergizes the efforts of Cape May, Cumberland, and Atlantic Counties, the ACCVA, Greater Atlantic City Region Tourism Council, the Atlantic County Improvement District, through a beautifully produced magazine-style publication, New Jersey's southernmost counties are highlighted as one vacation destination. Princeton Convention and Visitors Bureau for Holidays in Princeton, a marketing initiative that promoted Princeton's unique shopping, cultural, and historic experiences during the months of November, December, and January. The Princeton Convention and Visitor Bureau's strategy encompassed a focused marketing plan, creative promotions, and eye-catching advertisements, which made "Holidays in Princeton" a clear success. Six Flags Great Adventure for The Golden Kingdom, Six Flags' largest expansion and most ambitious marketing initiative to date. The Golden Kingdom contributed substantially to New Jersey's economy not only increased tourism expenditures, but in the creation of hundreds of jobs. It has attracted tourists from around the globe. Cape May County Department of Tourism for their enterprising partnership with Morey's Piers, Acme Markets, and Comcast Spotlight. The television campaign offered valuable incentives for visitors while retaining economic value for each participating organization.
The Governor’s Conference on Tourism is a joint venture hosted by the New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth & Tourism Commission’s Office of Travel & Tourism and the New Jersey Travel Industry Association. Tourism’s contribution to the state’s economy totaled $36.3 billion in 2005. Tourism activity generated $4.0 billion in state tax revenues. The sector also supported more than 472,000 jobs and generated $15.2billion in wages and salaries.
Major sponsors of this year's conference include the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, HMSHost, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Six Flags Great Adventure, Wild Safari & Hurricane Harbor, Commerce Bank, Continental Airlines and CTM Brochure Display.
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