CAPE MAY — This seaside town is ranked 13th on Frommer’s Top Destinations for 2008.
Commissioner Robert Steenrod, who is also president of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May, made that announcement at Monday’s meeting of the Tourism Commission of Cape May.
According to Frommer’s Web site, its staff puts their heads together to find places “around the world that are worthy of a traveler’s attention. Each is selected for what it has to offer: big city fun, rural relaxation, the opportunity to test your mental and physical mettle or simply the fact that it often falls under the radar and deserves a little attention.”
Frommer’s describes Cape May as a quiet, overlooked part of the state.
The listing also mentions Ocean City, and Wildwood.
“Cape May’s laid back Victorian charm, with Sunset Beach, bird sanctuary, and beautiful B&Bs is minutes (and generations) away from Wildwood’s celebration of post-WWII, go-go ‘50s-style architecture, with proud artificial palm trees and vintage neon signs,” it notes.
Frommer’s also mentions the opportunity to visit vineyards, an alpaca farm and to eat salt-water taffy. The listing also mentions Atlantic City and Margate’s Lucy the Elephant.
Cape May is sandwiched between “The Whiskey Trail” of Tennessee and Essaouira, Mexico on Frommer’s top destination list.
While the Washington Street Mall may look a bit rough while water and sewer pipes are replaced, stores are open and did a brisk business last weekend.
“The mall is open.” That message is appearing on television commercials on Comcast cable systems and radio spots to keep visitors coming to Cape May to shop for Christmas gifts.
“We are negotiating for a billboard near the Walt Whitman Bridge,” said Steenrod.
Last month, the commission chose not to renew a $6,000-per-month public relations contact with the MWW Group of East Rutherford. Steenrod said the commission has three proposals for a new public relations person and will conduct interviews.
Innkeeper Mary Ann Gorrick said while November was a fantastic month for reservations, December has proven to be an “absolute disaster.” She said the city seems to have a number of day-trippers that leave at the end of the day.
Gorrick asked that advertising be directed towards Maryland and Washington D.C.
Steenrod said volunteers from the chamber and Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts would be attending a travel show in Baltimore in February and a Washington D.C. show in March representing Cape May.
Ocean City has raised mercantile licenses from $50 annually to $100 to provide more money for tourism advertising. Steenrod asked that city council here consider a similar move before approving its 2008 budget.
He said a disproportionate number of businesses bear much of the responsibility of funding advertising while those offering summer home rentals reap the benefits without paying their fair share.
“We can’t continue to rely on grants as a way of funding,” he said.
Commissioner Larry Hirsch suggested using surplus funds from beach tag sales.
Steenrod said room tax revenue should also be used for advertising.
“A 100-unit hotel only pays $50 (for a mercantile license,” said Hirsch. “A six-room B&B pays $50.”
“We should really look at other alternatives and not keep going back to the business community,” he continued.
Steenrod said he would have the chamber of commerce poll its members on the question of increasing mercantile license fees.
Avalon – It absolutely makes sense for means testing for Social Security. We need to trim benefits for anyone 50 or younger, and give them better savings options. Anyone 50 or older should be grandfathered….
