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JON S. CORZINE |
VIRGINIA S.
BAUER |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact:
Karen Wolfe |
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Garden State Anticipates Busy Trenton—With Memorial Day just around the corner, the unofficial start of summer is here and New Jersey's tourism industry is primed to provide visitors with a busy season filled with fun and excitement. The New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism’s informal survey of tourism industry insiders suggests that rentals have been strong, bookings for hotels and other Nancy Byrne, Executive Director of the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism anticipates a great summer season. “New Jersey’s tourism industry is expanding more than ever," said Byrne. “Last year, expenditures swelled to $37.6 billion and overnight stays grew by 4.2% as visitors enjoyed everything from our 127 miles of beautiful beaches and pristine state parks to thriving cultural arts and preserved historic sites.” County and local tourism officials also express a positive outlook for summer 2007. Officials in Monmouth County report that with travelers staying closer to home, potential visitors from the tri-state area have jammed the phones for information with calls pouring in as early as January. Asbury Park and Ocean City representatives note that beach badge sales are off to a terrific start as New Jersey begins to welcome summer vacationers. Cape May representatives report an increase in web site hits and inquiries from the Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Albany, Hartford and Boston markets. A high volume of inquiries from the Canadian market is also prevalent. Campgrounds in the area reveal a large increase in Canadian reservations. In Ocean City, rental reservations are steadily increasing and a loyal customer base continues to return yearly from the Greater Philadelphia, Northern New Jersey and New York markets. Officials are finding a growing number of these visitors have conveyed that the Jersey Shore is a favorite vacation spot. Tourism officials also mention a rapid increase in the use of the Internet to make plans and request information. According to AAA, travel will be up slightly this Memorial Day holiday. AAA estimates that 38.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, a 1.7 percent increase from last year. In New Jersey, it is estimated that more than 948,000 drivers will take to the roads this Memorial Day weekend. According to Byrne, “We expect that people will continue to travel throughout the summer season even with higher gas prices. The trend will be that travel will be for fewer days and discretionary incomes will be used more wisely when seeking dining and accommodations alternatives.” The Travel Industry Association of America reports that Americans plan to take 328 million leisure trips during June, July, and August. Top activities planned by summer travelers this year include going to the beach or lake, visiting national or state parks, going to an all-inclusive resort, visiting historic and cultural sites and camping and hiking. “New Jersey is home to some of the best recreational, historical and cultural activities along the East Coast,” adds Byrne. “With an abundance of new and exciting tourism attractions to suit every taste in every region, visitors have an opportunity to experience the true diversity of New Jersey this summer.” New and Improved for 2007 Doo Wop Museum, Wildwood: Celebrate Doo Wop’s electric history at their fascinating new museum housed in the historic, pinwheel-shaped Surfside Restaurant. The Museum features rotating exhibits showcasing Doo Wop music, mid-century furniture and an outdoor sign garden displaying authentic 1960s signs from Wildwood motels and restaurants. Movies Under the Stars Series, Mountain Creek & Sea Isle City: Forget the indoor movie theatre and bring the popcorn outside! Let Mother Nature provide the star-studded backdrop on Saturday’s at Dusk at Mountain Creek (starting June 16) and in Sea Isle City near the Promenade on Tuesday evenings, beginning July 10. Atlantic City: This sparkling gem of the Jersey Shore continues to entertain and excite, season after season! Visitors will enjoy new exhibits at Atlantic City Aquarium Ocean Life Center, new shops and 9 restaurants/clubs open at The Pier Shops at Caesars, new retail outlet stores opening regularly in Phase II of Atlantic City Outlets - The Walk, new air service from several destinations to the Atlantic City International Airport and new step-on trolley tours. Residence Inn by Marriott, Neptune: New in 2007 and just 4.5 miles from the Jersey Shore, this four-story, 100-suite facility in Monmouth County offers full state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, featuring all stainless steel appliances and ceramic cook-top stoves. Adventure Aquarium, Camden: This summer, experience and touch animals with the Aquarium’s new interactive attractions. Plan to visit five touch areas and actually touch jellyfish, spider crabs, lobsters, sharks and so much more. Morey’s Piers, Wildwood: Breeze through the rides and games with the “MOR-EZ” ticket cards. The “MOR-EZ” re-usable ticket card replaces old paper tickets, card registration provides additional security and the card can be reloaded at any time during the season at Morey’s Piers or online. The new and improved cards are “MOR” convenient to carry, “MOR” eco-friendly and never expire. Liberty Science Center, Jersey City: Entering the newly renovated Liberty Science Center in July, visitors will find a new array of exciting exhibits, programs and films. Almost every exhibit has been replaced with more focused learning activities, while staying true to their central concentration areas: health, invention and the environment. Six Flags Great Adventure & Wild Safari, Jackson: Don’t miss “Wiggles World,” the park’s fourth area devoted to kids, offering exciting new pint-sized adventures. Guests can also experience a one-of-a-kind educational journey in the brand-new Wild Safari Exploration Station, featuring daily Safari interactive adventures. Jenkinson's Breakwater Beach Water Park at Casino Pier, Seaside Heights: Splash the day away at this exciting Water Park while enjoying new attractions and rides such as: Plymouth Rock Hot Tub Springs, Patriot's Plunge, Lighthouse Cove, The Perfect Storm and the Lazy Crazy River. Commonly referred to as a “Family Fun and Sun Resort,” Casino Pier has added Pirates Hideaway, a roller coaster that zooms through the dark, while the strong-stomached can challenge the loops and turns of the Himalaya.
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