TRENTON, N.J., May 7, 2020: The Garden State achieved record-breaking visitation in 2019, welcoming more than 116 million visitors, an increase of 4.9 percent over 2018, according to the latest report from the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism. Total spending by visitors to the state reached $46.4 billion, a 3.8 percent increase, and generated over $5.1 billion in state and local taxes throughout 2019.
The upsurge in tourism within New Jersey directly supported the formation of 9,000 new jobs in the state, revealing the largest boom in the past 10 years. The rise in spending also marks the tenth consecutive year of tourism growth for the Garden State.
“New Jersey enjoyed another incredible year for tourism in 2019, and now more than ever, these numbers underscore the tremendously important role tourism plays in the economic success of our state.
“This achievement is due to the diligence of the hardworking individuals who make up our hospitality industry, and we salute their efforts. Visitors should rest assured that everything they love about New Jersey will be here when they return, and we are all looking forward to welcoming them back to our beautiful state,” said New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way.
“Whether travelers seek to experience our beaches or our mountains, taste local products at one of our 150+ breweries and wineries, or enjoy international cuisine at our thousands of locally owned restaurants, New Jersey truly has something for everyone,” said New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism Executive Director Jeffrey Vasser. “New Jersey is resilient, and we are optimistic that despite the impact of COVID-19, our state will continue to thrive once travel resumes.”
Key findings from the 2019 Economic Impact of Tourism Report:
- Visitor spending generated over $5.1 billion in state and local taxes, equivalent to $1,580 in tax savings for every household in New Jersey.
- Visitor spending increased by $1.7 billion in 2019 and has grown by nearly $6 billion since 2015.
- Visitation has increased by 50 million person-trips over the past decade, an increase of 75 percent during this economic expansion.
- Visitor spending in New Jersey supported 342,937 jobs and nearly $20 billion in state direct GDP (gross domestic product) in 2019, representing 3.2 percent of the state economy.
Download the 2019 Economic Impact of Tourism in New Jersey Report, prepared by Tourism Economics.
About New Jersey
New Jersey offers a wide variety of experiences to visitors all year long. Visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures, renowned culinary offerings, educational opportunities, and a strong arts and cultural scene. With numerous state and national parks, beaches, skiing, tax free shopping, historic sites, museums and more New Jersey blends together its rich history and exciting present. Home to the nation’s first beach resorts and the birthplace of major inventions, New Jersey offers a picturesque escape and dynamic opportunities for visitors from near and far. For more information, visit www.VisitNJ.org.
