Atlantic City Celebrates with Large Crowds over July 4th Holiday Weekend

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As the July 4th holiday weekend expands in Atlantic City from Thursday to Monday so do the crowds.

"Atlantic City is really becoming known for our large-scale entertainment and events," said Jeff Vasser, president of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. "Our July 4th Fireworks display was listed among the top in the country by AOL Travel -- ranked number two just below New York City -- but the real success for us is that visitors are coming to Atlantic City to experience more than just the best casinos around. They are staying longer and making Atlantic City a true vacation destination."

It's no surprise that the two charter boat companies offering special July 4th Firework Cruises: Jessie O' Fishing & Cruising departing from Captain Andy's Marina in Margate and Atlantic City Cruises Cruisin' One departing from Atlantic City's Historic Gardner's Basin both quickly sold out their special holiday cruises. AC Cruises also sold out the daily Dolphin Watching Cruise on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Lucy the Elephant in nearby Margate also had a very strong weekend, according to Executive Director Rich Helfant, with visitor numbers increased by 20 percent over last year for the Friday through Monday holiday weekend.

The Carisbrooke Inn located on Little Rock Avenue in nearby Ventnor had an increase of 26 percent in room nights booked and revenue increased 27 percent for Friday through Monday when compared to last year.

Businesses throughout Atlantic City saw positive results for the July 4th weekend, with both Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino and Trump Taj Mahal Casino & Resort selling out Friday through Sunday of the holiday weekend.

Resorts Casino Hotel also sold out for Friday through Monday nights. The new Club Piscopo opened to large crowds all three nights, and the Engelbert Humperdinck performance was sold out in the Superstar Theater. Brunch at Capriccio had record numbers of people. And, in honor of the holiday weekend, the casino also donated 80 apple pies to the AC Rescue Mission and 20 apple pies to Sister Jean's Kitchen.

Tropicana Casino & Resort also had a sold out weekend with an increase of the average daily rate, counting the opening of their Rumba Party Pit and Cielo Suites, along with their new slot product, among their successes. Plus, the IMAX theater sold out all its showings of Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, Friday through Monday, and attendance at the Fireworks Viewing Party, located at the North Tower pool deck, was up over last year.

The Chelsea hotel was sold out for four nights: Thursday through Sunday. According to The Chelsea's Assistant General Manager Thomas Von Muenster, "Chelsea Prime did above average dinner business for Thursday through Sunday, the beach cabana service had incredible days and the Cabana Club, C5 and rooftop pool hit it out of the park every night."

Atlantic City's Absecon Lighthouse saw large numbers of visitors over the holiday weekend with 249 visitors on Sunday compared to 86 last July 3rd. Shop sales and admission revenues also increased this year over last year's holiday weekend.

According to Michael Hauke, owner of Tony Bolony's pizzeria on Oriental Avenue, the restaurant saw four times the number of patronage this Friday through Monday when compared to last year. In fact, the pizzeria actually ran out of food on Monday due to the increase in patrons celebrating Independence Day in Atlantic City.  

Nick Ballias, owner of Cavo Crepe Cafe located in Atlantic City Outlets-The Walk confirmed that not only was this holiday weekend the best July 4th holiday ever but Sunday, July 3rd was the best selling day ever for the Cafe. "We had a great weekend, and all the events in the city were a huge success. We are extremely excited about the rest of this summer, and hope there are more great years to come," said Ballias.

The new Scales Grill & Deck Bar at Historic Gardner's Basin had record sales for the July 4th weekend. While the restaurant is new so can't be compared to previous data it saw daily increases from Friday to Saturday to Sunday.

"The past two weekends were a proven success for the City of Atlantic City under the leadership of Mayor Langford," said Tom Foley, director, Atlantic City Office of Emergency Management. "The city entertained more than 1 million people over the last few days at our casino hotels, events and beaches, and we are very proud of the cooperation we received from the public. All of Emergency Services worked extremely well together to provide a safe and enjoyable holiday for all of our residents and guests."

The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority serves as the destination's principal marketing arm, stimulating economic growth through convention, business and leisure tourism development.  The Authority oversees the management of the Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall. The Authority is the first destination marketing organization in New Jersey to achieve prestigious Destination Marketing Accreditation by the Destination Marketing Association International.  For complete Atlantic City information, visit www.atlanticcitynj.com. Also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AtlanticCityNJ.

SOURCE Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority