New Jersey spending three times usual to get tourists this summer, post-Sandy

Millions in advertising and marketing dollars -- and unquantifiable value in word of mouth hopefully generated by a host of events -- are being poured into driving home the message that the Jersey Shore is open for business this summer. Arguably no boost is more significant than the marketing plan being rolled out by the state. Gov. Chris Christie received permission to use $25 million of $1.8 billion in federal disaster relief to fund a forthcoming campaign of advertisements, outreach and sponsorships to deliver the message that the shore -- and particularly the shore south of Long Beach Island -- is open. That amount represents nearly three times what the state typically spends on tourism promotion annually, officials said. The campaign led by public relations firm MWW of East Rutherford, Bergen County, will target the East Coast, the Mid-Atlantic and California, areas that typically