NJ launches “Going Strong” tourism campaign

Move over, “Stronger than the Storm,” there’s a new tourism campaign for the shore in 2014.

It’s dubbed “Going Strong.”

The commercial features pleasant summery scenes from around the shore and has similar catchy melody like its predecessor. 

But unlike the controversial “Stronger than the Storm” campaign, the new commercial does not feature Gov. Chris Christie. 

New Jersey is spending $1 million in federal funds to run the ads, a state Economic Development Authority spokeswoman told The Wall Street Journal, while $25 million was spent on the “Stronger than the Storm” campaign’s commercials, promotional events, and billboards. 

The newspaper also reported that if approved by the federal government, the “Going Strong” campaign will also utilize $5 million in Superstorm Sandy aid as part of the state’s efforts to attract tourists to the shore. 

Shore tourism generates $36 billion in annual revenue, according to Rutgers University. 

Reactions to the new campaign by Jersey Shore Hurricane News commenters are largely unfavorable.

“Ok so 18 months later I am still not back in my home. Still waiting for answers if we are approved for any federal funding what so ever to assist in lifting the house. Yet I get to watch a BS ad made to bring tourists to the state,” wrote Joe Burke. 

KG Junior wrote that the state should have “used what’s free,” like having local college students make a tourism video and promoting it on social media.

But Michelle Neckonoff Jenner offered a favorable assessment.

“Much better than Christie’s campaign ads last year!” she wrote.