newjerseynewsroom.com

Visitors spent $35.5 billion, $4 billion less than pre-recession year of 2007

Tourists visiting New Jersey’s spent $35.5 billion in 2010, a 0.8 percent increase over 2009, according to data released Thursday by the state Department of State.

The increase marks the first improvement since the industry’s pre-recession high of $39.5 billion set in 2007.

Overall domestic tourist visits to New Jersey rose 4.6 percent to roughly 67.7 million people in 2010, led by a 7.3 percent increase in leisure visits.

“New Jersey, like the entire nation, was hit hard by the national recession, and tourism was not immune,” Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, who oversees the Division of Travel & Tourism, said.

The report, provided by Vantage Strategy, is an attempt to reaffirm the critical importance the tourism industry plays in New Jersey’s ongoing economic recovery, Guadagno said.

Core tourism, defined by industries providing direct services to visitors, maintained its standing as the state’s third largest industry, supporting nearly 310,000 private sector jobs while providing over $10 billion in wages and salaries in 2010.

Visitor spending tax revenue rose to $2.4 billion last year, while the tourism industry in general contributed close to nine percent of total tax revenue for the state government. Tourism-related activity generated $7.2 billion in federal, state and local government revenue in 2010.

“Today’s numbers are encouraging, and we’re confident the foundation is in place for greater results for 2011,” state Travel and Tourism Director Grace Hanlon said. “New Jersey’s upcoming spring-summer multimedia campaign will encompass billboard, radio and television, and the assistance provided by the destination and cooperative grant programs will continue to market the Garden State and all we have to offer.”

The report declares the economic value of New Jersey’s core tourism industry is larger than the entire gross national product of 84 countries. Including total impact, meaning industries providing services to core tourism providers, it exceeds the GDP of 97 countries.

People from other states accounted for 68 percent of tourism spending, followed by New Jerseyans, 23 percent, New Jersey business travel, 5 percent, and and out-of-country, 2 percent.

While responsible for four percent of gross state product, tourism contributed 8.8 percent of state government revenue in 2010.

The report maintains that for every 180 visitors to New Jersey, a new job is created. Every 214 visitors cover the cost of one public school student for a year.

The report may be viewed here.

-TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM