“Explore New Jersey is a leading independent news outlet and guide to events, lifestyle, arts, culture, and travel across the Garden State – Explore New Jersey is your source for everything happening in the Garden State including and not limited to live music year-round, theatre, stand-up comedy skiing, hiking, beaches, rivers, mountains”, says Don Lichterman, the founder and head of Explore New Jersey / Sunset.
Explore New Jersey has released its review of the state’s record-breaking tourism year in 2024, shared projections for 2025, and underlined its mission as an independent cultural and lifestyle guide for residents and visitors.
The state attracted 123.7 million visitors last year, with tourism spend hitting $50.6 billion and creating $80.4 billion in total economic activity. The sector supported 507,833 jobs and delivered $5.4 billion in taxes, representing a $1,545 saving per household. Food and beverage spend surged to $14.2 billion, while accommodation accounted for $13.45 billion and recreation for $6 billion.
Key destinations such as Atlantic and Cape May counties continued to lead, and 2025 forecasts predict further growth to 126.4 million visitors and $52.3 billion in spending. Major events including the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the 250th anniversary of American independence are expected to reinforce New Jersey’s international appeal.
ExploreNewJersey.org sits at the centre of this landscape, providing comprehensive coverage of cultural activities from live music and theatre to outdoor adventures. It also highlights local food and drink through in-depth reviews of bars, restaurants, festivals, and breweries.
By combining arts, culture and travel with lifestyle, politics, and sports reporting, Explore New Jersey differentiates itself from conventional tourism resources. With thousands of directory entries covering everything from boutiques and cafés to gyms and entertainment venues, it offers a complete guide to the state’s experiences.
Recognised as the most wide-ranging cultural resource for the Garden State, Explore New Jersey’s independent coverage complements official information while often providing deeper, forward-looking insights. Its work supports organisations such as the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in understanding the cultural pulse of the region.
For further details, visit ExploreNewJersey.org.
