by Donald Wood
Last updated: 6:00 PM ET, Wed August 12, 2015
Tourism is a major source of revenue of shore towns in New Jersey during the summer months, and 2015 is shaping up to be one of the most successful seasons in recent years.
In a report from Michael Miller of The Press of Atlantic City, Cape May County officials are reporting higher numbers in almost every aspect of the travel industry. Not only is hotel and motel occupancy at a higher rate this year, but traffic at the Garden State Parkway's Great Egg Harbor and Cape May toll plazas was also up three percent in July.
The importance of tourism to coastal towns in New Jersey can't be overstated, as the industry generated a record $5.8 billion in revenue for Cape May and $42 billion for the state as a whole last year.
The success thus far has been great for the local economies, but it should only continue to grow as the calendar shakes out in favor of travelers. August features five weekends and the Labor Day holiday is a week into September, offering travelers more opportunities to take one last vacation.
One issue that tourism bureaus are reportedly facing is a drop in Canadian visitors due to a poor exchange rate. Cape May County Chamber of Commerce director Vicki Clark told The Press of Atlantic City, "I was speaking with someone in the campground industry about this. The decline in their Canadian visitors has opened up spaces for people from Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey who have not been able to find accommodations because reservations were made so far in advance."
While a decline in Canadian tourism isn't good news for cities that depend on the extra business, the space created by the void will open more opportunities for regional travelers to make their way to the Jersey shore.
Another change that has impacted the Jersey shore this year could be that people are taking shorter vacations, but visiting more often. In a report from Jake Blumgart of PhillyVoice.com, research suggests the way Americans look at vacations is changing, with many people favoring shorter stays at the shore due to a lack of companies that offer vacation days.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
