Establishes Office of Tourism Research; requires specific measures concerning tourism advertising, marketing, research, and tourism-related business training.
Impact
The bill mandates the creation of a database that will compile information on potential travelers, which can be leveraged to enhance tourism marketing efforts. This office will also conduct ongoing surveys to assess the effectiveness of these marketing activities, ultimately leading to improved strategies that attract visitors to New Jersey's diverse tourism sectors. These sectors encompass heritage, entertainment, outdoor activities, agriculture, and retail tourism, enhancing the state's ability to promote itself as an attractive destination nationwide and internationally.
Summary
Assembly Bill A627 seeks to establish the Office of Tourism Research within the Division of Travel and Tourism in New Jersey's Department of State. This office will be instrumental in conducting comprehensive research on the state's travel and tourism market, which is vital for maximizing New Jersey's appeal as a travel destination. The bill emphasizes the necessity of thorough marketing strategies and targeted outreach to potential tourists, focusing on various demographics and geographic markets to drive tourism growth effectively.
Contention
Notably, the bill proposes significant changes to the existing tourism policy framework by allowing the Division to contract external marketing experts to develop a comprehensive marketing plan for the state. This aspect may raise concerns among some stakeholders regarding reliance on outside entities, potentially leading to disputes over quality and focus of promotional messages for New Jersey's tourism assets. Additionally, the effective integration of various tourism services and ensuring that local businesses benefit from these initiatives will require ongoing oversight and collaboration among different tourism sectors.
Establishes Office of Tourism Research; requires specific measures concerning tourism advertising, marketing, research, and tourism-related business training.
Establishes "County Tourism Incentive Grant Fund" within Department of Treasury to provide funding for grants to counties to support tourism advertising and promotion.
Requires Division of Travel and Tourism to establish campaign that displays certain tourism advertisements through plastic wrapping of certain utility boxes located at intersections.
Establishes "County Tourism Incentive Grant Fund" within Department of Treasury to provide funding for grants to counties to support tourism advertising and promotion.