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JON S. CORZINE |
VIRGINIA S.
BAUER |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Karen Wolfe |
| New Jersey Tourism Primed for Active Summer Trenton, NJ (May 25, 2006) —State, county and local tourism officials have firmly secured the welcome mat in preparation for the busiest tourist season of the year. Virginia S. Bauer, CEO and Secretary of the New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth & Tourism Commission predicts the summer tourism season is going to be a big hit. "2005 was a banner year for New Jersey’s tourism industry," said Bauer. "As we head into summer 2006, there are many interesting dynamics to factor into the season, including higher gas prices. For New Jersey, we are just a tank of gas away from major consumer markets and our industry representatives firmly believe people will still travel to the Garden State for that summer shore getaway.” Officials in Monmouth County are noticing that people are staying closer to home this summer, as Jersey Shore visitors from the tri-state area are jamming the phones for information. Calls are also pouring in from New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia and even Ohio. Cape May representatives note they have received a high volume of calls from the Canadian market. Currently, the exchange rate is very favorable to Canadian visitors. With a 78% visitor return rate, overall Cape May anticipates another successful summer. Ocean City officials find that people are still saying that the Jersey Shore is a favorite for vacationers, as rental reservations are steadily increasing and loyal customers continue to return yearly. Tourism in New Jersey is an economic generator. In 2005 alone, revenues generated grew by 12.5% to $36.3 billion as visitation also rose a healthy 4.2%, from 69.3 million visitors to 72.2 million, due to a nearly 9% increase in overnight visits. AAA’s travel agents continue to see increased interest in summer travel compared to a year ago. Approximately 31.4 million travelers expect to travel by motor vehicle this Memorial Day holiday. According to The Travel Industry Association of America the top three activities planned by summer travelers this year are visiting friends and relatives, visiting a beach or lake and visiting small towns or rural areas. Other top activities include visiting national or state parks, visiting historic sites and camping and hiking. Americans expect to stay away an average of 6 nights on their longest pleasure trips. With plenty of new and improved tourism attractions to suit every taste in every region– from the thrilling and exhilarating to serene and tranquil, visitors have an opportunity to experience the true diversity of New Jersey this summer. ”Wherever you set out to explore in New Jersey, your journey is sure to be brimming with excitement, adventure and discovery,” said Nancy Byrne, Executive Director of the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism. “New Jersey has some of the most varied entertainment activities in the Northeast. Visitors will discover that our great state hosts a number of fun attractions for people of all ages.” New and Improved for 2006 El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson: Six Flags Great Adventure, the world’s ultimate theme park, is celebrating their 45th Anniversary. “El Toro,” one of tallest, fastest wooden coasters in the world is set to open this summer. Also recently opened is the new Bugs Bunny National Park where children can sing along during the daily parade spectacle or even have “Brunch with Bugs” and Looney Tunes characters. Ocean Oasis Beach Club & Water Park at Morey’s Piers, Wildwood: Surfside Pier provides a new resort themed experience for the whole family with private cabanas and huts, life-size chess and checkerboards and campfire pits. Sea Palace Inn, Seaside Heights: New for 2006, this deluxe first class inn has 20 rooms and is centrally located two blocks from the ocean. White Pearl Motel, Seaside Heights: Opening in June, this new 22-room motel is centrally located to the ocean and includes an indoor pool and sundeck. Breakwater Beach, Seaside Heights: Visitors will enjoy the new figure-eight go-cart track and six new rides on the pier. Borgata, Atlantic City: The Borgata expansion continues with the opening of new dining establishments featuring Chefs Bobby Flay, Michael Mina and Wolfgang Puck this June. The Pier at Caesar's, Atlantic City: Officially opening this summer will be new high-end retail, dining and entertainment facilities. World-class retail stores include Gucci, Armani A/X, Burberry and Tiffany and Company. Mountain Creek: The new Appalachian Hotel will open on July 1. Located at the foot of the mountain, the hotel features 100 studio, 1 and 2 bedroom condominium hotel units with fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, gas fireplaces all with a breathtaking view of the valley and mountains.
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