Coaster Photo
Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone speaks at a press conference at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park this week.
The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners welcomed the 2024 summer tourism season with their tourism partners at a press conference Tues., May 21, at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park.
“Summer 2023 was incredibly successful with over 9.5 million visitors coming to Monmouth County. We also saw visitor spending increase from $2.8 billion in 2022 to $2.9 billion in 2023,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Division of Tourism. “In addition, our tourism industry supported nearly 24,000 jobs in 2023 and reported $29 million in beach revenue.”
“Tourism is so important to Asbury Park and to the entire Jersey Shore,” said Asbury Park Mayor John Moor. “The most important thing this summer is beach safety. We have an excellent and well-trained staff who are ready to assist our visitors. We ask everyone to please be aware of all safety regulations.”
“Twenty years ago, there was no one here, but with good government, Asbury Park is now here bigger and better than ever,” said Stone Pony General Manager Caroline O’Toole. “The Stone Pony has always stood with Asbury Park, and we will always stand with Asbury Park. For 50 years, the Stone Pony has been a symbol of what is possible.”
“Asbury Park is a year-round town, but there is nothing like summer on the Jersey Shore,” said Matthew Whelan, executive director of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce. “We have many events scheduled this summer and beyond those events, we are seeing new businesses opening all over town. I would like to thank the Commissioners for supporting Asbury Park and I hope to see everyone here this summer.”
At the press conference, the County Commissioners presented Connor Kane with a certificate of recognition for winning the second annual Monmouth County Tourism Travel Guide cover photo contest. Kane, of Asbury Park, won the contest with his aerial photo of surfers on the Asbury Park beach.
“Congratulations to Connor for his fantastic photo that will serve as the cover of the 2024 Travel Guide. The Travel Guide has tons of activities, resources and programs to make any trip to Monmouth County a great one,” Arnone said. “Join us for a day trip, stay for an overnight visit, or vacation for the week. There will be events and activities all summer long and our Travel Guide will be your map to a great summer in Monmouth County.”