Defying Recession, Cape May NJ Summer Visitors Will Return, Poll Suggests

Cape May, New Jersey is optimistic that people interested in the summer shore area last year will return, recession notwithstanding, says the Cape May County Herald.

Among the 2,000 visitors queried in a recent poll, 77 percent of the respondents said they are planning to vacation in Cape May County this year. One reason: lower gas prices.

Many Cape May vacationers live one tank of gas away from this area. “The lower gas price is going to help put their budget back in order,” said Diane F. Wieland, tourism department director.

What's more, the region will benefit from the large number of second home owners.

Wieland noted that 50 percent of all second homes in the state are in this county and 47 percent of the county’s dwellings are considered vacation homes. A majority are used by owners but others are often rented out.

Vacation home owners "are going to save the day again for the fact they are committed,” Wieland told the paper. “They may not be able to take that cruise or go somewhere else on vacation but they’ve got a vacation home in Cape May County and they are going to come.”
(Photo: 4 BR West Cape May house for sale -- $699,000)