Cape May County has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the top leisure destination in New Jersey for the first time in 32 years. The achievement marks a significant turning point for our community, which welcomed 12 million visitors and generated $8.44 billion in visitor spending in 2025—a 4.2% increase over the previous year.
This remarkable performance didn't just break records—it supported over 42,000 jobs right here in Cape May County, underscoring how vital tourism is to our local economy and the livelihoods of our neighbors.
"With a record-breaking $8.44 billion in visitor spending in 2025, Cape May County outperformed every other county in New Jersey for the first time in 32 years, making us the No. 1 leisure destination in the state," said Cape May County Tourism Director Diane Wieland. "We led the state in food and beverage, retail and recreation, and our lodging sector reached $3.59 billion, a 6.9% increase over the previous year. Our business owners have proven yet again that their hard work and resilience can overcome even the most challenging of years."
The numbers tell a compelling story about our county's growing appeal. The lodging sector alone brought in $3.59 billion, representing a 6.9% jump from the year before. Cape May County led the entire state in food and beverage, retail, and recreation spending—categories that directly benefit our local restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
What's particularly encouraging is that visitors are coming back more frequently. According to the Cape May County Tourism Department's Visitor Survey, 52% of visitors report coming to the County two or more times a year. This loyalty reflects the success of recent marketing efforts to promote Cape May County as a year-round destination, not just a summer getaway.
The Tourism Department has strategically focused on the 30 million people living within a 300-mile radius of our county—markets that include Greater Philadelphia, North and Central New Jersey, New York, the Baltimore to DC corridor, Northern Virginia, and Connecticut. This targeted approach has clearly paid dividends.
Looking ahead to this summer, Cape May County is capitalizing on this momentum with an ambitious new campaign. The county is launching its America 250 initiative, inviting travelers to "Celebrate America's 250th Down the Shore." The timing couldn't be better—as Americans plan road trips to historic sites for the nation's 250th anniversary, Cape May County offers both coastal beauty and rich historical experiences.
The county is also promoting regional hub events, including FIFA activities, that are expected to draw new visitors to our area. Current travel trends favor affordable, flexible car travel—playing perfectly to our strengths as a drive-to destination.
This year's marketing campaign takes a fully integrated, multichannel approach, utilizing broadcast, digital, mobile, billboards, print, radio, and PR. These platforms are strategically layered to deliver repeated exposure across every major consumer touchpoint, ensuring that potential visitors encounter Cape May County wherever they look.
For those of us who call Cape May County home, these numbers represent more than statistics—they reflect the dedication of our business owners, the warmth of our hospitality, and the unique character of our communities. As we welcome millions of visitors this summer, we can take pride in knowing that our county has earned its place as New Jersey's premier destination.
