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The basics:

• Visit Atlantic City reports 2025 as one of its strongest recent years
• Brand integration with DO AC sharpened focus on leisure travel
• 13 conventions, major events already booked for Q1 2026
• New attractions, hotel renovations, nonstop flights boosting growth

Visit Atlantic City is heading into 2026 with strong momentum, after what leaders described as one of the destination’s most successful years in recent memory, driven by brand integration, new investment and a growing pipeline of events.

The tourism organization said 2025 marked a turning point. Along with its integration with the DO AC brand, Visit Atlantic City also sharpened focus on leisure travel while continuing to expand its meetings and conventions business.

That strategy is already paying dividends, with 13 conventions, events and competitions scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 alone.

“2025 was immensely successful for Atlantic City following our integration with the DO AC brand at the start of the year,” said Gary Musich, president and CEO of Visit Atlantic City. “Now that Visit Atlantic City has a year under our belt with a greater focus on leisure travel, we are looking forward to building on this tremendous momentum.

“Of course, meetings and conventions will continue to be a large focus in 2026, and we are eager to keep showcasing Atlantic City through that lens as we look to attract both leisure and business travelers alike.”

Betting big

Casino operators also continued to reinvest heavily in their properties throughout 2025, which NJBIZ has reported on extensively.

“The Atlantic City casino industry is optimistic about the year ahead,” said Mark Giannantonio, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey. “In 2025, our properties invested hundreds of millions of dollars in capital improvements, delivering a world-class experience for our customers while supporting tens of thousands of good-paying jobs and generating vital tax revenue for the city and state.

“Those investments extended beyond our properties through our unwavering commitments to our local community.”

Giannantonio is also president and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.

Looking ahead, several projects and attractions are coming online in AC, including:

• Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar with immersive hologram technology
• 598 newly renovated rooms and suites at Tropicana Atlantic City’s Solana Tower
• The launch of Taste Atlantic City, a monthlong culinary celebration debuting in March

Additionally, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa plans to open a new 18,000-square-foot live entertainment venue this summer. And, Allegiant Air has also introduced non-stop flights to Atlantic City International Airport from key markets across Florida.

Events calendar

Generating tens of millions of dollars in projected economic impact, major conventions due in Q1 2026 include:

• The Pool & Spa Show
• Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show
• Impressions Expo

High-profile sporting events are also due, including the MAAC Basketball Championships and NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships.

More details on upcoming events are available here.

“With new events, projects and experiences on the horizon, we are confident Atlantic City’s continued revitalization as a premier destination resort will build in 2026,” Giannantonio added.