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While the existence of Central Jersey is the subject of never-ending debate, state legislators are looking to finally put the region on the map.

Under a measure sponsored by Assemblymembers Roy Freiman, D-16th District; William Spearman, D-5th District; and Ellen Park, D-37th District, the state would establish and promote three separate tourism regions as part of its destination marketing efforts.

According to Assembly Bill 5098, the northern region would be comprised of Sussex, Warren, Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Essex and Hudson counties, while the southern region would be made up of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic, Salem, Cumberland and Cape May counties.

As for Central Jersey, the legislation would define the region as the counties of Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean.

In a statement, Freiman said, “From the iconic Jersey shoreline to our bustling, vibrant cities in the north and south, New Jersey is rich in historic and famed tourist attractions. For too long the heart of our state—home to our state capital, historic sites, and bucolic scenery—Central Jersey has not received the real attention it deserves.”

The bill is part of a larger legislative packaged aimed at promoting the state’s travel and tourism industry that cleared a joint meeting of the Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee and the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee Feb. 16.

Other measures that will advance to the full Assembly for a vote include:

• Assembly Bill 5097: Creates a tourism attraction trail sign program to encourage more people to visit New Jersey’s attractions
• Assembly Bill 5100: Requires the state to develop an annual report on New Jersey’s travel and tourism industry, as well as its impact on the economy, and produce a five-year master tourism plan
• Assembly Bill 5209: Appropriates $2.5 million from the state budget for an “Agritourism Fund,” which would create grants for businesses involved in agritourism

Companion legislation has not yet advanced in the state Senate.

The big bash

Will New Jersey’s historic sites be ready in time for tourists for the nation’s 250th anniversary? Click here to read the story (and to take a photo tour of some of the sites the state has to offer).

Following the meeting, Freiman said, “Travel and tourism is a vital industry and an economic engine for the state generating thousands of jobs and attracting countless tourists each year. Redefining New Jersey’s tourism regions, looking at the way we fund tourism efforts, and delving into agritourism will help us highlight both our world-famous attractions and hidden gems. These bills can lead to attracting more visitors, boosting local economies, and truly celebrating each and every corner of our state.”

Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, D-28th District and chair of the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee, said he believes the legislation “will help strengthen our state tourism efforts.”

“Here in New Jersey, we are well-known for our beautiful beaches, top-notch casinos, and small historic towns—our state has so much to offer,” he stated. “More families deserve the opportunity to visit and enjoy New Jersey in all of its regions.”

After noting the pandemic’s severe impact on New Jersey’s travel and tourism industry, Caputo said, “This package of bills will help us more efficiently promote the countless tourist attractions throughout the state and requiring annual reporting will allow us to carefully monitor the success of our efforts as we continue to help the tourism industry rebound from the pandemic.”

A similar bill sponsored in October 2022 by Freiman never made it to a committee vote. Under that proposal, the state Division of Travel and Tourism would be required to promote Central Jersey, overnight stays and agritourism, as well as redirect some of the federal economic relief money that supports tourism promotion to regions in need of economic relief.