Tourism Convention In AC Centers On Tourists, Not City's Financial Problem
By David Madden
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., (CBS) -- All the talk about financial calamity in Atlantic City has done little to affect New Jersey's overall tourism. An annual meeting of tourism officials from throughout the state got an upbeat message from the Lieutenant Governor.
Tourism was up one a half billion dollars statewide last year. Kim Guadagno credits good weather and better local marketing for the increase. But with all the talk of a state takeover of Atlantic City and possible casinos up north, well, she's not all that concerned.
"I think that if people want to come to Atlantic City, they don't ask first whether there's going to be a takeover or not," Guadagno told KYW Newsradio, "I think what they ask is, 'Is the sun shining and are the casinos open?'"
As for the city's budget woes, Guadagno believes the continuing effort to diversify the local economy will do the trick. " I don't think it's going to matter one way or the other whether there's casinos in North Jersey because the rateables down here will support the economy of Atlantic City," she said.
Tourism is New Jersey's largest industry, now bringing in almost $43.5 billion dollars in revenue.
