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Riley: Post-Sandy Tourism Recovery Must Remain a Top Focus Says Ceasing Promotion Efforts Risks Fragile Recovery

(TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Celeste Riley (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem) released the following statement Thursday after chairing a hearing of the Assembly Tourism and The Arts Committee on Superstorm Sandy’s impact on tourism throughout the affected areas and the prospects for recovery:

“While the ‘Stronger than the Storm’ campaign may have helped, the testimony we heard shows it needed to be launched sooner and needed to continue longer.

“Tourism continues into the winter and spring months, especially when it comes to the restaurant and hospitality industry. It’s not just a summer business. Quite simply, we cannot back off when the recovery is so fragile.

“In fact, we heard testimony today that indicates people still incorrectly think Atlantic City boardwalk was destroyed by Sandy. And we heard that other states are coming after our customers. We cannot let that happen, especially when it comes to the southern New Jersey tourism industry.

“We need an aggressive campaign focused solely on the businesses and attractions offered by the state and the value of overnight stays. We cannot rest easy when so much is at stake for jobs, our economy and our heritage as a top tourism destination.”