TRENTON, NEW JERSEY (July 17, 2023) – New Jersey’s travel and tourism industry observed positive indicators for a strong summer season ahead in 2023, based on reports from state Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO) throughout the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Despite rainy weather conditions on July 4, The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism today announced high levels of consumer interest within Garden State businesses and communities, which drew in large crowds during holiday festivities.
Local Jersey Shore commerce in destinations that include Monmouth County, Southern Ocean County, Cape May County and Atlantic City, indicated nearly full occupancy levels in lodging and visitor arrivals throughout the holiday weekend.
Cape May County DMO reported 100% occupancy levels, while Ocean City, Stone Harbor, Wildwoods DMO and Southern Shore DMO accounted for occupancies in the mid-to-high 90th percentile range. Visit AC, Atlantic City’s DMO, estimated that a sizeable crowd of 100,000 people occupied the beach on July 4. Moreover, Shore boardwalks, such as those in Wildwoods and Ocean City, were jam-packed with visitors who sought out area special events that took place up to the July 9th weekend.
New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way expressed appreciation to the members of the state’s tourism industry for the strong continuation of a flourishing summer season. “We owe much of our success to local businesses and their staff members, who work tirelessly to represent the very best of New Jersey,” said Way. “To see visitors and residents, alike, enjoy and choose our state to celebrate this important American holiday is truly a testament to the outstanding tourism product portfolio we offer throughout the summer season.”
Intermittent stormy weather conditions across the state on July 3 influenced many Shore visitors to head indoors to area restaurants, bars or entertainment venues, while visiting families took cover at fun indoor arcades and inviting ice cream parlors at nearby beachfronts.
Additionally, Cape May DMO reported full occupancy levels at regional campgrounds, while Crystal Springs Resort in the Skylands region of Sussex County’s DMO experienced a near sell-out in its lodging capacity. Likewise, American Dream mall in East Rutherford saw an increase in retail sales during the holiday weekend, according to its area DMO partner.
“We are very pleased that consumer demand was extremely high for the state’s diverse offerings this July 4th holiday, despite some dotted rain showers,” said Jeff Vasser, executive director of the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism. “We expect visitor interest to thrive the remainder of the summer months, as well as into the beautiful shoulder season of the fall, based on the positive feedback received from our state industry partners.”
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About New Jersey
New Jersey offers a wide variety of experiences to visitors all year long. Travelers and residents 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.
Media Contacts:
N.J. Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism
Emel Crawford
Tel: 609.292.7138
Email: emel.crawford@sos.nj.gov
Lou Hammond Group
Victoria Polansky / Brigid Garrett
Tel: 212-891-0238 | 212-891-0213
Email: victoriap@louhammond.com | brigidg@louhammond.com
