COURT HOUSE – The Cape May County Department of Tourism is gearing up to market the Jersey Cape’s 2020 season, kicked off its marketing campaign Jan. 23, with a consumer travel show in Pittsburgh, Pa.
According to a release, the Department of Tourism is partnering with the Southern Shore DMO which includes Cumberland County, Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, GWTIDA and Cape May City Chamber of Commerce to promote the County at a dozen travel show located throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region and Canada. More shows can be added as they move forward.
“The Travels Shows are an effective way to talk one-on-one with potential and return visitors to answer questions and promote new attractions, as well as distribute literature to help plan their vacation. The travel shows run during the winter months when families are making their summer vacation plans. The Tourism Department has participated in travel shows for more than 45 years. This is a part of the Tourism Department’s comprehensive marketing campaign that draws 10 million visitors to Cape May County,” stated Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton, liaison to the Tourism Department.
The Cape May County Travel Show Cooperative was organized 10 years ago to share the growing costs of exhibiting at the various shows. Often the Tourism Department would be at a show and find other County resorts and properties exhibiting at the same show.
The cooperative brought the partners together to promote the county one destination with a diverse appeal to vacationers. This resulted in reduced costs to the partners and an opportunity to expand our reach and participate in more shows.
Brochures distributed include guide books, brochures, calendar of events and promotional items from throughout the county providing visitors information on attractions, lodging, dining, and events.
Participation levels vary, and partners can pick and choose which shows the best suit their needs. The shows will run through early May with nearly 50 days and 500 hours on the floor promoting the destination in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., and Canada.
“The response at the travel shows gives us an indication of what to expect for the upcoming summer season. The enthusiasm of those who visit our booth and the stories of their vacation memories make the long hours at the booth enjoyable and rewarding. The questions asked also work to ensure we are providing the information needed for visitors to make their decision,” said Tourism Director Diane Wieland.
Last year, more than 300,000 pieces of literature were distributed at the travel shows. Cape May County hosted approximately 10 million visitors and generated $6.6 billion in direct tourism expenditures,” added Thornton.
