Advocacy

2023 Update

NJTIA has been active in their advocacy efforts resulting in continued success for the tourism industry. In June, the Department of Labor implemented online working papers, finalizing the last piece of legislation the NJTIA supported to expand working hours and streamline the process for minors to obtain working papers.

In this most recent session, NJTIA was instrumental in ensuring that $17.6 million in the FY24 budget for Travel and Tourism Advertising and Promotion was appropriated. Additionally, we supported the creation an Agritourism Fund that appropriates $2.5 million for the benefit of Agritourism businesses. This funding will flow through the Div. of Tourism and is supplemental funding!

Other bills enacted and signed by the Governor this session include the widely publicized “Central Jersey” bill which requires the Division of Travel and Tourism to re-draw the state tourism maps to promote the Central Jersey region. Murphy also signed the “Boardwalk Preservation fund” which allocates $100 million in federal ARPA funding to the Department of Community Affairs to be utilized for boardwalk construction, maintenance, reconstruction, and repairs in the form of matching grants.

NJTIA is currently preparing for the lame duck session of the Legislature this Fall. All 120 seats are up for election in November with a record number of retirements.

Lastly, we want to thank all of the NJTIA members who make our advocacy efforts such a success by maintaining positive relationships with your elected officials!