On May 8, representatives from the New Jersey Campground Owners Association (NJCOA) participated in the annual New Jersey Tourism Advocacy Day, an event organized by the New Jersey Tourism Industry Association (NJTIA) at the War Memorial in Trenton.
The gathering brought together stakeholders from various segments of the tourism industry, including trade associations, destination marketing organizations, chambers of commerce, and independent businesses, to engage directly with state legislators and discuss key policy issues.
The NJCOA delegation included Executive Director Joann DelVescio, Judy LaPorta of Little Oaks Campground, Scott Turner of Ocean View Resort Campground, and Karen Kymer of Kymer’s Camping Resort.
These representatives also served as underwriting sponsors of the event. Advocacy Day offered participants the opportunity to attend meetings with policymakers, hear legislative updates, and celebrate tourism professionals who contribute to New Jersey’s visitor economy. This year’s theme was “Uniting Voices for New Jersey’s Tourism Industry.”
Joann DelVescio, who also served as Chair of the Advocacy Day Event and Committee for NJTIA, emphasized the importance of the gathering as both an informational and relationship-building opportunity.
“The event each year brings together tourism professionals to hear updated information on pending legislation as well as tourism statistics from the previous year,” she said.
“It is great to reconnect prior to the upcoming summer season and plan for any last-minute issues that may arise with the proposed budget sessions. It is also a great time to recognize our legislators who are champions of the tourism industry in New Jersey.”
Judy LaPorta attended the event to ensure the perspectives of campground owners were represented.
“It is important to be with others who are part of the tourism industry and having the opportunity to network with them and express our interests and concerns as campground owners and managers,” she said.
“Tourism in New Jersey is a significant driver of its economy and we all… need to be united, informed and strong partners in all facets that drive the tourists to our businesses in a safe and prosperous way.”
LaPorta also praised the efforts of NJCOA and DelVescio in advocating for the outdoor hospitality sector. “To have the attention of the industry lobbyist, legislators and other industry leaders all in the same room or in the Capital building was an honor and a privilege as campground owners there on behalf of the NJCOA,” she said.
“Our Executive Director Joann DelVescio… is on top of the current legislative issues, and is a highly respected individual in the tourism and hospitality industry.”
In conjunction with Advocacy Day, NJTIA released its 2024 Economic Impact of Visitors to New Jersey report. The study revealed that visitor spending surpassed $50 billion for the first time, with 123.7 million visits recorded.
The report also included an optimistic outlook, citing upcoming events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ as potential drivers of future growth in the state’s tourism sector.