■ Tourism
■ Tourism
Sleepy beach towns like Belmar see their summer population balloon from 5,900 year-round residents to 36,000 in summer months . Summertime attracts nearly a half million beachgoers each season .
owners and about 12,000 campsites throughout the state .
“ We are anticipating a good season ,” DelVescio reports , based on early season campground reservations . In addition to vacationers , she anticipates the influx of remote workers flocking to campsites post-pandemic to continue in 2024 . “ We are seeing more folks working remotely from our campgrounds ,” she says .
Atlantic City Is Up , But Not Everyone is Winning
In Atlantic City , 2023 saw economic performance improve , even in the casinos , according to figures released by the Lloyd D . Levenson Institute of Gaming , Hospitality and Tourism at Stockton University . Total gross gaming revenue ($ 1.4 billion ) was up 11 % from 2022 primarily due to growth in internet gaming and sports betting , while in-person gross gaming revenue ($ 811 million ) was up 1 % from 2022 . In addition , nongaming net revenue was 45 % of the total net revenue compared to 39 % in previous years , the University reported .
“ Sports is one of the largest growing markets , except maybe behind cannabis ,” commented Daniel Gallagher , director of sports sales for the Atlantic City Sports Commission during a panel discussion held in May at Stockton University . “ We came off a banner year . We did about 75,000 room nights in sports alone ,” Gallagher says , adding “ This year , we will be using sporting events to extend the season into September .”
But not all of the numbers were positive in Atlantic City , as overnight stays were up 8 % but were shorter than in previous years . In addition , while casino employment is up , labor shortages and wage inflation continue to dampen performance .
“ Last year was not good ,” said Mark Callazzo , managing partner , RMS Capital . Callazzo has investments in several Atlantic City entertainment ventures , as co-owner of the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall , Cuzzie ’ s Pizzeria , Rhythm & Spirits , and Bar 32 Chocolate .
Callazzo , also participating in Stockton University ’ s 16th Annual Shorecast 2024 panel discussion , explained why 2023 wasn ’ t great for his businesses . “ Our customer count was down .
Photo : Larry Feld
Our average check was down . I think a lot of tourism was lost to people taking the overseas trips they had put off for three years .”
Worker Shortages and J1 Visas
NHRA ’ s Dana Lancellotti agrees that wage inflation has hurt hotels and restaurants , however seasonal labor shortages along the Jersey Shore are a perennial challenge . “ Normally , the state recruits up to 5,000 students from other countries for summer employment ,” Lancellotti says .
Post-pandemic , however , the Federal Government was slow last year to keep up with visa requests . The 2024 season promises to be better . “ The State Department is on track to process the summer work travel students in time for summer ,” reports Lancellotti .
The consensus is that a new normal has been established in response to the statewide labor shortages at restaurants and catering facilities . NJTT Executive Director Vasser reports how owners and the public have adapted to the challenges and remain optimistic . “ Over the past couple of years establishments have adjusted their menus and schedules accordingly to accommodate a tougher labor market ,” he notes . “ I ’ m hearing people are confident ,” he says .
Things To Do in NJ This Summer
From the weird to the wonderful , the Garden State has something for everyone . To that end , in 2023 New Jersey ’ s Governor Murphy debuted the North to Shore Festival ( N2S ) to showcase the state ’ s diversity , culture , and storied entertainment venues . Inspired by SXSW in Texas , the 2024 North to Shore
Continued
The Island Water Park at the Showboat : This Atlantic City attraction opened last July . It ‘ s a marvel of indoor water activities for kids and adults . If the beach doesn ’ t cooperate , this immense water park ’ s lazy river and 11 water slides will save the day .
Photo : Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce
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