For all the talk about the price of gas and the effects of high inflation, a bigger factor for Jersey Shore tourism might just be the weather. One businessman in Seaside Heights says sunny skies mean big business.
“If you live up north and you’re going to spend that money on gas to come down, you want to make sure you have a semi-perfect experience. You’re not going to come, I don’t think, when there’s mixed feelings about the weather. I could see that being a deterrent this year, more than ever before,” said Wayne Cimorelli, owner of four businesses in Seaside Heights. Cimorelli, who has worked there for more than 50 years, said a slow spring has given way to a hot summer.
Lori Pepenella, president of the New Jersey Tourism Industry Association, said the state is in a great position to handle travelers who would rather drive than fly for their vacation. “Seventy percent of consumers are taking a vacation. They’re budgeting for trips closer to home due to gas prices and inflation. New Jersey is absolutely situated to benefit from that. It’s a real opportunity for destinations to maintain and grow new audiences,” said Pepenella.
“We always said, as an industry, that we think we’re recession-proof. This year, I guess we’re going to find out,” said Cimorelli.
If demand stays steady through the summer, beach communities face another problem — finding enough workers to fill vacant jobs.
