General Business
On Nov 22, 2024
The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) has announced that the Wildwoods achieved a historic milestone through August 2024, setting a new all-time record for tourism revenue growth through the summer tourism season.
Fast Facts:
- Tourism revenue was 3% higher from January to August 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, which was previously an all-time record year for revenue in the Wildwoods.
- Direct tourism spending in 2024, through August, increased to over $374 million from January to August 2024, an increase over the same period in 2023.
- The Wildwoods 2% Tourism Tax revenue through August 2024 increased by $325,439.30 for a 4% increase over 2023’s record-breaking season performance.
- The Wildwoods are over 52% ahead of calculated plan for tourism tax revenue collection. The plan is calculated on a five-year average of actual tourism revenue.
“The Wildwoods continually exceed industry standards for tourism growth by implementing targeted marketing and public relations strategies. These efforts emphasize the unique features that have established the Wildwoods as a premier family vacation destination,” said Louis Belasco, executive director of the GWTIDA.
The 2024 marketing and public relations campaign centered around the beloved ‘Wildwood Days’ theme song, showcasing the resort as the vacation destination that offers everything visitors could desire for a fun-filled getaway, all on one five-mile island. The campaign captures “the magical moment of vacationing in the resort, where stress and worries melt away, offering a sense of renewal and the opportunity to create lasting family memories.” This year’s theme focuses on the transformative experience of ‘Losing Yourself’ in the moment and ‘Finding Yourself’ on your perfect Wildwoods vacation.
The 2024 strategy also focused on deepening the emotional connections people have with the Wildwoods while challenging outdated perceptions of the destination. Key messages highlighted the many FREE activities available and promoted the Wildwoods’ unique attractions, including biking, watersports, beverage tourism, fishing, golf, shopping, and more. The campaign emphasized the variety of ways families can enjoy the Wildwoods, making it a standout destination for all interests.
The campaign achieved remarkable success in two critical areas: attracting millions of visitors for safe and memorable vacations and earning widespread media coverage. Throughout the year, the Wildwoods’ PR efforts garnered significant attention across broadcast, digital, and print platforms. By proactively adapting to shifting trends and exceeding visitor expectations, the Wildwoods solidified their position as one of New Jersey’s premier tourism destinations.
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