SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — It was a huge year for businesses at the Jersey Shore, a much-needed bounce back after a horrible 2020.
Officials say business didn’t just improve, but some key industries were up even pre-pandemic levels. It was a win they needed, to say the least.
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Ocean City Boardwalk Merchant Association President Wes Kazmarck said people had money to spend, and they were excited to go out again.
“I think a lot of people really wanted to cut loose this summer, and they certainly did,” he said. “You saw people definitely had money to spend, maybe because they … hadn’t been out and about very much.
“I think people were excited to get back to going to restaurants, they are excited to go to the beach. They were excited to be not quite as stressed as they were the year before.”
According to a report from the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, bed taxes from hotels and motels in coastal counties are approaching $20 million for the year — up 22% over 2019, which was a record-setting year itself.
Beach tag sales were up 35% in Cape May County this year versus 2019 as well.
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Kazmarck said rentals for the summer are already starting to move quickly, meaning if people plan on renting for summer 2022, they better figure it out now.
Given the travel restrictions to and from some countries, plus the anxiety that comes with flying for some these days, Kazmarck said it’s looking like another great year for shore towns, as people in the region — and maybe even a little beyond — seem more willing to hop in the car for a road trip.
Gov. Phil Murphy, of course, said this is great news because of how vital tourism is to the state economy. He said he’s excited to welcome more visitors in 2022.