OCEAN COUNTY’s 2019 tourism season saw a 4.1 percent increase in tourism revenues bringing in $4.98 billion.

“We had 9 million visits to Ocean County during the tourism season in 2019,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to tourism in Ocean County. “That was an increase of 4 percent from the summer of 2018.

“Tourism continues to be a key economic engine here in Ocean County,” he said. “We appreciate all those that visit us. The revenue from tourism supports hundreds of small businesses while providing employment opportunities for thousands of people from high school students to our seniors.”

Ocean County ranks third among the 21 counties in New Jersey for tourism revenue.

“We represent almost 11 percent of the states total tourism dollars,” Vicari said.

Vicari said that while the upcoming tourism season will see some changes and restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Ocean County will continue to be a great place to visit.

Vicari said many towns and businesses are awaiting guidance from Gov. Murphy for guidelines on reopening businesses and beaches for the summer.

“We are doing all we can to make the upcoming summer season a good experience for everyone,” he said. “We want to make sure it is a family friendly experience and most importantly a safe experience for everyone.”

With more than 44 miles of oceanfront beaches in the county, municipalities are reviewing ways to open beaches and boardwalks so that visitors can enjoy the amenities while maintaining social distancing and other restrictions that may be in place to continue to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.

“It will be different,” Vicari said. “But that doesn’t mean it will not be a positive experience. We still have the most beautiful beaches, Barnegat Bay, recreational boating opportunities and so much more to offer.

“The safety and health of our visitors and residents is paramount,” he said. “Our mayors, our health officials, and our tourism representatives are all working diligently to come up with the best plans to make this a good summer season.”