New Jersey tourism up 3 percent in 2015 to $43.4 billion
On the boardwalk in Seaside Heights
Tourism generated $43.4 billion in New Jersey in 2015, an increase of more than 3 percent.
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno says lower gas prices left travelers more money for food, recreation and retail shopping.
The number of visitors to New Jersey increased by 2.4 percent last year to 95 million.
In 2015, the tourism industry directly supported 318,330 jobs in New Jersey.
When jobs indirectly related to tourism are included, the industry accounts for nearly 1 of every 10 jobs in the state.
Hotel room demand rose just over 1 percent. But excluding Atlantic County, which continues to suffer from the slowdown of the Atlantic City casino industry, hotel room demand grew by 3.3 percent.
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