Somerset County Tourism - A $1.2 Billion Industry

The
Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP) and Somerset County Tourism
released the latest Tourism Update in a presentation to the Board of Chosen
Freeholders.

Continuing
the growth trend of tourism visits to Somerset County, the 2017 figures showed
that visitor spending reached $1.2 billion, supporting 20,000 jobs, generating
$73.1 million in state taxes & revenue and $71.4 million in local taxes and
revenue. These figures showed growth at a rate of 3.4% since the 2016 Tourism
Economics report.

The
largest portion of visitor spending, 31%, was in the area of food and beverage
($367m) with 21% ($252m) spent on retail sales and 20% ($229) on lodging. The
balance of the spending was distributed to recreation (17% - $197m), and local
transportation (11% - $134m).

The
report showed that 70% of the travelers coming to Somerset County were on
business-related trips. In response to these indicators, tourism staff will
continue to work with Somerset County employers to develop more creative
methods to extend the stay of business visitors.

In
order to maintain momentum and continue the growth of tourism in Somerset
County, Mike Kerwin, President/CEO of the SCBP, outlined four strategies
including use of the new County brand, Making Vibrant Connections, economic
development, niche marketing, and collaborating with community partners.

Examples
of this effort are the recent Higher Education Workshop bringing the State’s
premier educational institutions to Somerset County to meet with the business
community, a partnership with Sanofi and the SCBP with a focus on acquiring and
retaining talent, and an ongoing cooperative initiative with the SCBP and the
Somerset County Park Commission to promote recreation opportunities for
residents and visitors.

Somerset
County Tourism’s marketing campaign is designed to offer extended stay
opportunities are reinforcing the Tourism effort with print and digital
advertising supporting equestrian opportunities, county and private gardens,
championship golf, and birding.

“Tourism
is a growth sector in Somerset County that financially benefits business and
residents alike,” commented Jackie Morales, Director of Tourism for Somerset
County. “Making Vibrant Connections is key to creating attractions for business
visitors and tourists alike.”

Somerset
County Tourism is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Somerset
County and a Division of the Somerset County Business Partnership. The
organization’s mission is to advance the local economy by promoting the area’s
outstanding travel products and experiences and to offer a variety of useful
services to residents, business and leisure travelers.