Atlantic City Shows Positive Indicators for Strong 2010 Summer Season

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlantic City businesses are anticipating a strong 2010 summer season as evidenced by an overall increase in seasonal hires across the destination that's "Always Turned On."  Other positive indicators stem from increased bookings at the iconic Boardwalk Hall and Atlantic City Convention Center (ACCC) within the past year.  Recent city-wide event successes such as Restaurant Week and increases in occupied room nights, up 1.85 percent in 2009 over 2008, also bode well for Atlantic City businesses as they prepare for the summer high season when droves of consumers flock to the Boardwalk and the city's free beaches.

A record influx of seasonal hires is one of many positive indicators forecasting high visitation for the seaside destination.  For some casino hotels such as Hilton, the need to fill positions at new restaurants, entertainment venues and to staff events has resulted in a 150 percent increase in hires over 2009.  Similarly, Harrah's Entertainment will increase its 2010 summer positions and hires by 22 percent.  Resorts Atlantic City and The Chelsea also report increases in seasonal hires in 2010 while the three properties that comprise Trump Entertainment Resorts are at pace based on 2009 numbers.

Still other properties, including the Carisbrooke Inn, are projecting success due to a high demand in travel packages.  One such package in conjunction with Steel Pier is outperforming last year's bookings by nearly double.  The Sky's The Limit package includes an overnight stay, helicopter ride, dinner at Morton's Steakhouse and luxury car service starting at $318 midweek for two people.  While last year this package sold in late June, this year's bookings have been rolling continuously since mid-April, mostly from residents in New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and as far away as Michigan.

"Atlantic City is showing strong signs of economic recovery in 2010, particularly in our non-gaming operations from hotel occupancy and restaurant bookings to meetings and convention business," said Jeff Vasser, president of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA).  "Diversifying beyond gaming will continue to be a trend for us into the new decade."

The meetings and conventions industry has been a positive economic generator for Atlantic City.  A recent benchmark study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers measured attendance and occupancy rate in relation to number of events held at exhibit halls around the country.  The results showed the Atlantic City Convention Center hosted a total of 97 conventions, trade shows and consumer shows last year while other centers of similar size averaged 69 events.  Exhibit halls in national markets hosted an average of 64 events, well below ACCC's final tally.

According to Gary Musich, vice president of sales for the ACCVA, "By hosting more events than our competition, our total attendance for conventions and trade shows is very favorable: 221,804 versus 175,600 for other centers of the same size and 169,300 for other centers in national markets."  The greater Atlantic City community also benefits from the utilization of the ACCC, as it drives revenue to the city's hotels, restaurants, shops and other attractions.  In 2009, delegate spending from conventions and trade shows at the ACCC is estimated at $128.7 million.

One of Atlantic City's other landmark attractions, historic Boardwalk Hall, grossed just under $150 million for its 284 shows hosted in 2009.  Boardwalk Hall serves as the city's largest entertainment and sporting events arena with a capacity of 14,770 seats.  Last year's attendance figure topped 1.8 million fans, ahead of similarly categorized venues including Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Wembley Arena in London and Brisbane Entertainment Center in Australia.  As a result of its long-term, continued success, Boardwalk Hall was recognized by Billboard magazine as the world's top-grossing mid-sized arena for the decade.

Early 2010 successes resulting from city-wide promotional events such as the second annual Restaurant Week, February 28-March 6, have also set the stage for a strong summer.  Restaurant participation was up to 83 from 74, and meals served increased by nearly 50 percent.  Online reservations tallied a 73 percent jump over last year while diners purchased 13 percent more gift certificates, up to more than $10,000 total.  Restaurant Week has attracted strong participation from diners who come to Atlantic City specifically to experience the city's growing culinary landscape now characterized by celebrity chef restaurants, regional favorites and classic Atlantic City establishments such as Dock's and Knife + Fork.  Dates for Restaurant Week 2011 are set for February 27-March 5.

"We're optimistic going into our summer season," continued Vasser.  "The investment we've made across the destination over the past five years, specifically in our non-gaming assets, is serving us well in 2010.  The city is excited to welcome the summer crowds with a full calendar of summer events and concerts and some new city-wide initiatives that we'll be announcing in the coming weeks."

For more information or to book a getaway to Atlantic City, please visit www.atlanticcitynj.com.

About the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority

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.

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SOURCE Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority