In 1877 Thomas Edison’s phonograph was invented making New Jersey the first place in the world that musicians could come together to record music. Housed in his laboratory in West Orange, NJ, this early invention put the state firmly on the musical history map. Take a self-guided tour of Thomas A. Edison's Laboratory Complex at the Thomas A. Edison National Historical Park and visit the Thomas Edison Centre at Menlo Park. Fast forward 64 years and in 1941 musician and inventor Les Paul, who spent much of his life in New Jersey, created the solid body guitar – the Gibson Les Paul. He also introduced innovations such as multi-track recording and the reverb. The list of influential musicians from New Jersey is long and illustrious, including Frank Sinatra, Dion Warrick, Gloria Gaynor, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston, Paul Simon, The Four Seasons and The Fugees. Venues that have hosted these great artists and many others are dotted throughout the state. The Stone Pony in Asbury Park is one of the most iconic New Jersey music venues, and was the launch pad for Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. The Wellmont Theater opened in Montclair in 1922. The venue brings a variety of acts through its doors, from rock legends to indie bands, tribute acts and classical presentations. Ocean City Music Pier in Cape May was originally constructed in 1928 and is a much-loved historical building overlooking the beach, boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean. This 900-person capacity venue still hosts a wider range of artists. The Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, is the largest venue in the state and has a capacity of about 82,000. Home to the New York Giants and New York Jets, the venue also hosts big ticket stadium concerts. Newark's Prudential Centre is an 18,000-seat arena home to the NHL New Jersey Devils but also hosts large scale music events. Upcoming concerts include Barry Manilow, Seventeen, Post Malone, Iron Maiden and Mary J Blige. New Jersey Performing Arts Centre opened in 1997 and has a capacity of almost 3,500. A prominent cultural institution for the city of Newark, it also holds a number of free events and festivals. Atlantic City is known as the entertainment capital of New Jersey and big acts have been performing there in casinos, clubs and bars since the 1930’s, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra were regular performers. Back to modern day and Alicia Keys, ZZ Top, Mary J Blige, Diona, Chris Issak, Phish, Alice Cooper and Billy Ocean are just some of the artists set to play gigs over the next few months. Venues include Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort, the Event Centre at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Sound Waves at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Hard Rock Live Etess Arena. Live music events and festivals take place throughout the state. These include: The TidalWave Music Festival in Atlantic City from August 12-14, featuring country stars from around the United States. Sea.Hear.Now celebrates its third year at Asbury Park and takes place from September 17-18. Performers include Pearl Jam, The Avett Brothers and Billy Idol. XPoNential Festival will take place at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden from September 16-18 and features a line-up of up-and-coming artists.   To start planning a New Jersey trip, visit www.visitnj.org

  New Jersey’s 130 miles of sandy beaches are beckoning visitors this summer. With direct flights and enviable weather during the summer months, the state is a great choice for those looking for an ultimate beach holiday with beautiful barrier islands and bays dotted with majestic lighthouses, fishing villages and scenic views.   The sandy beaches are the states most treasured prize and attract families, couples and friends, visiting to enjoy the sun, sand, water sports and beach side attractions.   Beach-Side Cities   Atlantic City is New Jersey’s most famous coastal city. Visitors flock to enjoy the wide sandy beaches, the world-famous boardwalk (the first in the United States), world class casino resorts and fantastic dining and entertainment offerings.   Above: Atlantic City. Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism   Other cities with beaches include the lively Wildwoods, Seaside Heights with its two amusement piers, family favourite Ocean City and trendy Asbury Park all of which feature fun-filled boardwalks with entertainment, rides, shopping and dining.   Above: Asbury Park. Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism   Family beach holidays   Family options are in abundance along the coast of New Jersey. Long Beach Island is an 18-mile-long island strewn with small shore towns and long stretches of white sand which has been attracting families for generations. At Beach Haven, the island’s main action centre, you’ll find the water parks Fantasy Island Amusement Park and Thundering Surf Water Park & Adventure Golf.   At Wildwoods in southern New Jersey, in addition to an expansive beach, there are 38 blocks of exciting boardwalk attractions, including three incredible amusement piers, water parks and crazy golf, plus there is a weekly firework display every Friday during the summer. Point Pleasant Beach offers a boardwalk filled with arcades and rides, an aquarium and beach front amusement park and Ocean City has eight full blocks of family amusements.   Relaxing Beach Breaks   For a quieter beach experience Spring Lake, Ocean Grove and Stone Harbor offer a more sedate stay. Here you can find historic lighthouses, preserved natural areas, inlets and bays.   Above: Stone Harbor beach, Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism   Sedate Cape May is a charming town located at the southernmost point of the Jersey Shore, with a world renown architectural legacy, many of its colourful Victorian homes (“Painted Ladies”) have been turned into boutique bed & breakfasts. Cape May is also home to grand Congress Hall which is America’s oldest seaside resort, dating back to 1816.     Above: Cape May. Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism   The small towns of Barnegat Light and Harvey Cedars, both located on the north end of Long Beach Island offer a laid-back, idyllic island getaway.   Active Beach Options   Adrenaline junkies are well catered for on the beaches of New Jersey. The state is home to some of the best surfing on the East Coast, the ocean typically remains warm through October and the excellent surfing is the result of the Atlantic Ocean's hurricane season which increases the swell. Great beach towns for surfing include Manasquan, Belmar and Seaside Heights.   Above: Manasquan Beach. Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism   Beach-Side Birding   Birding enthusiasts flock to New Jersey. Cape May in particularly popular for this and is recognised as the place to go for Autumn bird watching, however the Cape’s peninsular shape, proximity to ocean and bay, and diversity of habitat all blend to make the area a birding spot year-round, South Cape May Meadows in particular is a globally renowned birders paradise and at The Cape May Observatory visitors can join birdwatching trips to view more than 400 species of birds during fall migration.   The five-mile barrier beach of Sandy Hook is another excellent year-round birding location and is on the state’s list of Important Bird and Birding Areas as well as on the National Audubon Society’s list of globally significant Important Birding Areas. Click here to read more.   To start planning a New Jersey holiday, visit www.visitnj.org   Follow the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for more events and news throughout the state.

  Key economic report numbers indicate that the New Jersey Tourism industry enjoyed a strong bounce-back summer at the Jersey Shore and beyond in 2021, as towns and businesses continued a steady pandemic recovery.   A New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism (NJTT) study, compiled by research leader Tourism Economics, revealed record increases in key metrics, including a nearly 71% rise in bed tax revenues, accompanied by growth from beach tag sales, hotel rooms sold and total room revenue. The report focused specifically on the shore counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth and Ocean from June 1 to August 31.   “We are thrilled that travelers once again flocked to our state this summer, and we were able to provide a much-needed getaway,” said New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “The increase in these important figures indicates how vital tourism is to the overall economy in our state.”   According to NJTT Executive Director Jeff Vasser, the industry’s success this past summer is a testament to the local businesses and talented individuals who make up the industry.   “This summer’s favorable outcome is truly a tribute to the hard work and resilience of our incredible tourism business owners and work force, as well as the quality of our product. Whether visitors were looking for a relaxing weekend on one of our beautiful beaches, or a high-energy escape in our casinos, New Jersey offered something for everyone,” said Vasser.   Key findings from the 2021 Summer Tourism Performance Report include:  

• • Shore counties experienced significant growth in state bed tax revenue during summer 2021, hitting record levels. Bed taxes collected by the state for the shore counties are projected to reach $19.2 million in 2021 – an increase of 71% and 22% relative to 2020 and 2019, respectively. This is especially significant as 2019 pre-pandemic was already a record-setting year.

 

• • The Shore region was not alone in seeing bed tax gains year-over-year. In fact, all 21 of the state’s counties saw significant increases over 2020 with Hudson County growing more than 150%.

 

• • Nearly half of the state’s counties saw bed tax increases over 2019 numbers with Sussex County growing nearly 60%.

 

• • For the entire state, the New Jersey hotel industry rebounded in the summer of 2021 (June-August). Rooms sold in 2021 increased by 44.6% versus 2020, while the average daily room rate grew 20.2%. These trends contributed to a 74.8% rise in revenue statewide.

 

• • Summer beach tag revenues exceeded pre-pandemic levels in shore counties in 2021, indicating much better performance at the shore. In 2021, for example, Cape May reported a 35% increase in beach tag revenue versus 2019.

  “New Jersey’s beaches, lakes, and towns all offer so much for travelers to enjoy,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “This summer proved once again that we are ‘Jersey Strong’ and ‘Jersey Proud’ and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors in 2022 and expect another great year.”

  With Thanksgiving marking the official start to the holidays, the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism (NJTT) welcomes the return of annual events, along with new programming and openings, for families and friends to enjoy all season long. Throughout the state, visitors and locals alike are invited to delight in the following spirited celebrations:   Atlantic City: The season starts off merry and bright with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Musical Light Show at The Quarter at Tropicana, presented every hour on the hour starting at noon, now – Jan. 2. Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino also welcomes Mannheim Steamroller Christmas and the Atlantic City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” while the Atlantic City Holiday Bazaar at the Noyes Arts Garage presents local and regional artists and vendors with music and craft workshops.   Cape May County: Throughout December, Cape May’s 48^th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours returns with both in-person and virtual experiences. The beloved tradition of self-guided tours of homes, inns, churches and hotels allows visitors to step across thresholds and step back in time to take in historic interiors beautifully decorated for the holidays. The magic of Christmas in Cape May continues with a myriad of themed trolley tours available all season long, including the Ghost of Christmas Tour, Holiday Lights Tour, and the All That Glitters Tour which invites passengers into Victorian Cape May, sharing stories from 1899 as locals prepared for the new century.   Hudson County: Spirited Hobokenites encourage visitors to jog, run, or walk for a cause at the annual Jingle Bell 5K race on Dec. 18 while soaking up the Mile Square City’s waterfront sights, boasting skyline views, public murals and more. The Liberty Science Center’s many holiday experiences are sure to get kids – and adults – into the festive spirit, from the Snowflake Maze complete with scientific facts about snowflake formation, to the Laser Wonderland Holiday Lights and Music Show, featuring songs from Mariah Carey, Frozen and Alvin and the Chipmunks.   Meadowlands: For those making their list and checking it twice, The Avenue – the new luxury shopping and dining experience at American Dream in East Rutherford – is the haute holiday hot spot. The DreamWorks Water Park opens Nov. 26 for a tropical holiday experience at a toasty 81 degrees year-round. For those who prefer to hit the ice with Santa and his elves, it’s hard to beat The Rink, an NHL regulation-size rink with open skating, lessons, figure-skating events and more.   Middlesex County: New Brunswick’s holiday festivities kick off on Dec. 3 with The Holiday Tree Lighting at Monument Square Park. Attendees enjoy live ice carving demonstrations and horse-drawn carriage rides while Hub City Sounds provides musical entertainment. City Center will continue its celebrated tradition Dec. 17-19, offering horse-drawn carriage rides in the evening, while costumed Victorian carolers stroll along George Street.   Morris County: Art and culture aficionados feel at home at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, where the greatest cirque entertainers unite for a spellbinding holiday themed production of A Magical Cirque Christmas on Dec. 4. The New Jersey Ballet’s 50th Anniversary of “The Nutcracker” then takes the stage alongside the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Dec. 17-26. For music lovers, other upcoming performances include Jonathan Antoine’s Christmasland Live (Dec. 1), a tribute to Motown with A Forever Motown Holiday Celebration (Dec. 5) and Sara Evans Blue Christmas Tour (Dec. 10).   Ocean County: The Tuckerton Seaport once again offers themed 50-minute Tuckerton Creek’s Holiday Boat Rides Dec. 1-12, inviting guests to learn about local holiday traditions on the water and how a Tuckerton tree once saved Christmas for Times Square. The Strand Theater also hosts The Wag’s Christmas Spectacular on Dec. 11, featuring iconic holiday songs by the four-piece NJ-native group, along with fun dance numbers, costume changes and comedy sketches.   South Jersey: Christmas Underwater at the Adventure Aquarium kicks off Nov. 26 through Dec. 24, featuring the “World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree” and interactive shows with Scuba Santa as he dives with sharks, sea turtles and stingrays. The Collingswood Holiday Parade then returns to Haddon Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 27. Heralded for its one-of-a-kind Main Street experience, the parade features lively seasonal entertainment, including marching bands, dancers, holiday characters, giants on stilts, floats, and live music.   Sussex County: At the luxury Crystal Springs Resort, “A December to Remember” package features holiday activities including horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa and a live nativity scene, along with bonus experiences for each night of the stay – from eco-friendly “glice” skating and wreath-making workshops, to gingerbread decorating, family holiday photos and more. Also on the resort grounds, Winter Workshop at Minerals Hotel features Frosty’s Cantina, marshmallow roasts, and mini tree decorating.   The Wildwoods: Five weekends of holiday fun include light shows with complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn at Holly Beach Park, Christmas parade, a Holiday Beach Bonfire, and the official Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 11 at the Wildwoods Convention Center, with free admission, photos with Santa, face-painting, and performances by the Avalon String Band. “The holidays present a special opportunity to explore the state whether a resident or visitor, with a mix of history and tradition, as well as modern-day seasonal experiences,” said New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism Executive Director Jeff Vasser. “This season, we are thankful that our partners are able to resume their treasured holiday activities and grateful for the many travelers that will choose to spend their holidays in New Jersey.”

  US specialist representation firm the Greg Evans Consultancy, also trading as GEC TR, has been appointed by the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism to be its first ever UK based agency,. It will focus on building awareness of the Garden State within both the trade and media, increase product offering and encourage bookings for when the border opens this November. New Jersey, the 'Garden State', provides not only a gateway to the United States' East Coast, but a wide variety of year-round experiences. Visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures, a huge variety of culinary offerings and a strong arts and culture scene. With numerous state and national parks, 130 miles of beaches, skiing, tax-free shopping, historic sites, museums and more, New Jersey blends together a rich history and exciting present. Director Greg Evans said, "We are excited to be working with such a diverse and fascinating destination such as New Jersey. We are very much looking forward to reconnecting with our trade and media colleagues and help to encourage travel to the United States from November." "The UK and Ireland are extremely important markets for New Jersey and we've found visitors and the travel trade alike appreciate the depth and breadth of diverse offerings we provide here. We look forward to leveraging the strong experience and relationships offered by Greg Evans Consultancy to benefit our state,"said Jeff Vasser, Executive Director of the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism, For more information or to start planning a New Jersey trip, visit www.visitnj.org