County Tourism Reports 2 ‘Great Weekends’

CREST HAVEN – Sunny skies and comfortable ocean temperatures made the Fourth of July in Cape May County a double holiday weekend. Businesses throughout the county described both weekends surrounding the holiday as “off the charts,” according to a county release.
Freeholder E. Marie Hayes stated, “With July 4 on a Wednesday this year, we waited to see when visitors to the county would celebrate the holiday weekend down the shore.  Reports of reservations showed a stronger pre-4th extended weekend and a promising post-holiday as well.  The weather cooperated and we are happy to report our businesses did well both weekends and summer 2018 got off to a good start.”
With many businesses comparing July 2017 to July 2018, it is important to note that the county experienced 10 days of rain last July, two days of cloud cover and only seven sunny days, which significantly impact day trips and outdoor activities. 
“Our resort towns and attractions are weather dependent, and this year we had the perfect combination a very hot weekend prior to the holiday that drove people to our great beaches, followed by a picture perfect weekend after the holiday, with sunny skies and low humidity that was perfect for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities,” Hayes added.
The Cape May County Department of Tourism did an informal survey of both weekends, pre and post-holiday and found positive responses by the business community. 
Lodging, including campgrounds, restaurants, and retail all reported they had two great weekends, with some reporting both weekends, were better than expected and others citing record days for the holiday weekend. 
 “The Department of Tourism markets Cape May County throughout the year with a strong emphasis on the summer months,” stated Diane Wieland, tourism director.
“We continually monitor the season to track our efforts and adjust marketing initiatives.  Cape May County ranks second in the state in tourism direct expenditures, generating $6.4 billion in 2017, an increase of 1.4 percent over the previous year. 
“Weekends like the first two in July are what we sell when we are on the road promoting the county during the winter months. 
“Advance reservations are pointing to a strong 2018 season on the Jersey Cape.  The Canadian exchange rate is 76 percent on the dollar, the same rate as this time last year.  We are looking forward to another great summer in Cape May County,” reported Wieland.