Aviation Museum Receives State Tourism Grant

WILDWOOD – Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum will receive funding in 2017 through a grant from the state Office of Travel and Tourism. The Aviation Museum will provide a 25 percent match for the grant with its own funds.
NASW Aviation Museum’s 2017 marketing plan will work toward the state Division of Travel and Tourism’s goal of fostering economic growth by increasing tourism expenditures, encouraging long-term stays and promoting New Jersey’s arts, cultural, recreational and leisure opportunities.
The marketing plan “NJ Family Fun!” will inform visitors that there is so much more to this beach community than just its beautiful and famous beaches. Visitors will be encouraged to explore some of the county’s best kept secrets such as historic Hangar #1.  The indoor Aviation Museum is open all year and is the perfect rainy day destination for the entire family.
There is no denying that some of the best beaches in the country are found in Cape May County. But while vacationers love to soak up the sun and sand, what can they do when those beach days are spoiled by rain, cold weather, rough surf or sunburn?
The NASW Aviation Museum has a plan. Fun and interactive exhibits captivate each guest as they take a step back in time and experience the history.
The museum will work with several organizations, including the Cape May County Department of Tourism, to target visitors from out of state and even Canada.
A main feature of the marketing plan is to take advantage of technology, including interactive “Explorer” boards at New Jersey rest stops as well as internet and print advertising. Today, the internet and mobile platforms play a huge role in 90 percent of vacation planning activities, so the plan emphasizes the use of social media and online review sites. Each year since 2013 the museum has received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence award, an honor reserved for the travel website’s top 10 percent in positive reviewer feedback.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is located in Historic Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport. The airport was once Naval Air Station Wildwood, which served as a World War II dive-bomber training center. The museum is dedicated to the 42 airmen who perished while training at Naval Air Station Wildwood between 1943 and 1945.