Despite a slowing of the gaming industry due to the worldwide recession, interest in Atlantic City remains high as evidenced by positive figures cited by some of the area's top non-gaming attractions and restaurants. The summer season continues to bring a strong flow of visitors, resulting in a significant increase in visitation versus last July. Room nights booked through the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority's website, www.atlanticcitynj.com, have also increased, shattering records from one year prior in the city that's "Always Turned On." "We are pleased to report that the number of room bookings through the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority website, visitor center and call center in the month of July reflects an increase of 26 percent compared to last July," said Jeff Vasser, president of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. "Quite simply, we offer something our competition does not -- proximity, diverse offerings and a seaside location unmatched by any other entertainment destination."
Some of Atlantic City's attractions which reported a strong July include Absecon Lighthouse, which saw a 20 percent increase in visitation over last July and 4.5 percent increase overall. The Atlantic City Aquarium reported a 30 percent increase in attendance for July 2009 compared to July 2008. Last month's numbers for Lucy, Margate's most famous elephant, were also impressive. The historic structure, first built to attract business for the South Jersey real estate market, has since become a National Landmark and one of the most iconic attractions on the shore. Sales in July were up 10.5 percent over last year with thousands of visitors coming to enjoy the park and gift shop. A total of 10,000 people toured Lucy for the month, resulting in a 15 percent increase over July 2008. Meanwhile, Atlantic City's newest attraction and first, over-water independent event venue, One Atlantic, has more than 20 events already booked for 2010 without having even opened its doors. One Atlantic will celebrate its grand opening this winter.
Atlantic City's hotels also reported increases in occupancy. The Chelsea, the destination's first boutique property, has operated with more than 90 percent occupancy on weekends throughout July and into August with an additional 300 rooms in supply this year. The Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel experienced 73.9 percent room occupancy last month, reflecting a 2.6 percent increase over the same period last year. Trump Plaza and Trump Marina were also up with more than 90 percent occupancy in July. The introduction of new restaurants and celebrity chefs have bolstered Atlantic City's culinary reputation and brought new events such as an annual Restaurant Week to the calendar. The inaugural TD Bank Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival, held July 30 to Aug. 2, was a resounding success with more than 20,000 attendees. Individual restaurants also reported strong business in July, including Carmine's which has hosted an abundance of corporate business and the Melting Pot which consistently ranks in the top three of the nationwide chain. For more information on Atlantic City, call 888-AC-VISIT or visit www.atlanticcitynj.com.
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