sightseeing
Report to members
Michelle N. Siekerka, NJBIA Chair and CEO May 28, 2024
With the 2024 summer tourist season underway, New Jersey businesses are hoping for good weather and large numbers of visitors to boost revenue and the local economy.
Over the past four years, the tourism industry has weathered the pandemic, labor shortages and sometimes less-than-ideal weather to bounce back strongly: 114.6 million tourists visited New Jersey in 2022 (the most recent data available), directly spending $45.5 billion and generating $73.5 billion in economic activity and $5 billion in state and local tax revenue.
The good news is that visitor spending has recovered to 98% of pre-pandemic levels ($46 million), according to a study by the state Department of Travel and Tourism. The tourism industry supports 479,558 jobs, including 320,857 direct jobs and 158,702 indirect jobs supported by visitor activity, representing one in 12 jobs in New Jersey.
Many more great days lie ahead as New Jersey looks forward to hosting the world’s largest sporting event, the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Eight World Cup matches will be held in New Jersey, including the Final on July 19, 2026, drawing millions of visitors from around the world and generating $2 billion in economic activity for the region.
To make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime economic opportunity, state officials and New Jersey business leaders are collaborating on the extensive transportation, security, marketing and operations plans needed to make the event a success.
Beyond the games themselves, we also coordinate large fan festivals at Liberty State Park and other locations. We know that these sponsored events surrounding the World Cup games will be financially supported by good corporate citizens in New Jersey’s business community.
Locally, restaurants and bars across New Jersey plan to host viewing parties for the millions of fans who don’t have tickets to the games. Tourism officials expect the World Cup to create 14,000 new jobs, mostly in the hospitality sector, to support tourists who will need places to stay, dine and be entertained.
Surprisingly, the World Cup isn’t the only big event on the horizon: 2026 also marks the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence, which will draw thousands of visitors to numerous historical and cultural sites throughout New Jersey, the site of major battles and hundreds of smaller skirmishes during the war for independence from Britain.
There’s a lot to look forward to over the next two years, but in the meantime, put on your sunglasses, support our summer seasonal businesses, and enjoy all that New Jersey has to offer.
For more business news, visit NJB News Now.
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