The Wildwoods, NJ – December 6, 2021 – The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) received a 2021 New Jersey Tourism Excellence Award from the New Jersey Tourism Industry Association (NJTIA) in the category of Jersey Strong Award.
Accepting the award on behalf of the Tourism Authority was Ben Rose, director of marketing and public relations, Jamie McLaughlin, marketing manager, and Lauren Suit, marketing coordinator during the NJTIA conference on December 1.
The winning 2021 campaign, conceived and executed by GWTIDA and its PR Agency, Suasion Communications Group, was crafted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on travel and tourism, and focused on the many ways to vacation safely in the Wildwoods, all while keeping visitors’ safety a top priority. It focused on a specific market appeal – enticing regional vacationers who were able to visit the Wildwoods via automobile to ‘drive on down.’ A key aspect that differentiated this from other campaigns in the marketplace is that it promoted value and multi-generational family fun in a colorful, clear and enticing way; and emphasized the destination’s numerous one-of-a-kind attractions, where lifelong memories are made, and what separates this New Jersey resort town from other vacation destinations.
“The COVID-19 Response PR campaign is a true testament to how the Wildwoods can face any unforeseen challenges and produce record breaking results to remain a top vacation destination, despite travel and visitor restrictions,” said John Siciliano, executive director of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA).
As a result of the campaign, the Wildwoods garnered national and regional recognition via well-placed editorial in newspapers, magazines, TV and web placements – with an emphasis on the pandemic precautions the destination took and sanitizing protocols it took to assure visitor safety as the destination gradually reopened.
The campaign’s success came from not only attracting millions of visitors to safely vacation in the Wildwoods, but in garnering extensive media coverage as well; with live broadcast segments in the Wildwoods throughout the year focusing on the destinations successful plans, strategies, and proactive approach to responding to the crisis and remaining one of the leaders in New Jersey tourism.
Consistently named one of the best beach vacations in the U.S. for families, the Wildwoods – consisting of the municipalities of North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest – are the perfect destination to get away and reconnect with family. You can soak up some sun, clear your mind, escape the chaos on the FREE beautiful white-sandy spacious beaches, and experience the calming effects of ‘Beach Therapy’. The Wildwoods’ wide, spacious beaches allow plenty of room to stretch out and practice social distancing. Beachgoers have the option of choosing to enjoy a relaxing day in the sun, or a more adventurous day of activities on the water, such as surfing, boogie boarding, fishing, power boating, jet-skiing, sailing, kayaking, and whale and dolphin watching.
Along with our award-winning beaches, another ‘must see’ is our world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk. Known as “2-½ miles of smiles,” the boardwalk has 38 blocks of fun and excitement for everyone, whether you’re looking to just take a stroll and shop or experience thrills and adventure. For a more peaceful day, you can take a ride on the 140-foot Ferris Wheel that overlooks the beaches and ocean, go for a bike ride, take a stroll, or take a ride on the famous Wildwoods Boardwalk “Sightseer” Tram Car that travels the entire Boardwalk from end to end. For more action and adventure, you could go on any of the Boardwalk’s world-class roller coasters and thrill rides, take monster truck rides on the beach, go down huge waterslides, and more!
To satisfy your hunger after a day of fun, munch on some classic boardwalk fair – from hamburgers and hotdogs to French fries and pizza. Don’t forget dessert! Find sweet treats like saltwater taffy, fudge, frozen custard, funnel cakes, and fried Oreos.
Bike riding is a favorite pastime, and no town seems to do biking better than the Wildwoods. The Wildwoods have coined the word ‘Bikeability’ to capture all of the amazing opportunities for biking. Right now, there is no better way to recharge, get physical exercise and enjoy the beautiful salt air – all while keeping a safe distance from fellow visitors – than a leisurely bike ride. From lengthy and scenic bike paths, to bike lanes along popular roads, to biking right on the boardwalk, there are so many ways to enjoy the Wildwoods on two wheels.
Admirers of architecture would be amazed as the Wildwoods are home to the country’s largest concentration of mid-century Doo-Wop architecture. We invite you to take a walk through the Wildwoods’ Doo-Wop District, visit the Doo-Wop Experience Museum and hop on the award-winning “Back to the ‘50s” Doo-Wop Neon Night Bus Tour. With bright neon signs, colorful facades, futuristic architecture and “far-out” themes, these buildings offer a neon-lit slice of Americana to anyone visiting the Island. Then to top it off, grab some dinner at one of the many themed Doo-Wop style diners throughout the Wildwoods that offer large menus and a unique, fun setting the kids are sure to love.
The Wildwoods offer more than 11,000 lodging accommodations – over 8,000 hotel-motel rooms and 3,000 vacation rentals – many of which offer FREE WiFi, and appear to ‘sparkle’ with Doo Wop themed architecture, décor and bright colors. Inside, social distancing practices and enhanced sanitizing and cleaning protocols are being strictly followed. Hotel and motel swimming pools follow safety practices by including screenings upon entering the swimming pool area; social distancing while in the water and on pool decks, and non-sharing of pool furniture and equipment, except among families and partners.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
For more information on the NJTIA, please visit www.njtia.org.
