Tourism stats from Atlantic City hint at comeback post-Sandy

Tourism statistics released by the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority Thursday pointed to small increases that could indicate some degree of a bounceback following Hurricane Sandy.

"We are beginning to witness upticks in several month-to-month statistical reporting categories," ACCVA President Jeffrey Vasser said. However, he said, it will take more time to see significant positive trends.

The number of conventions, tradeshows and meetings held at the Atlantic City Convention Center in December increased by 20 percent over the same month in 2011. That resulted in a five percent increase in room nights and delegates over the previous year's numbers.

Shows held at casino hotel properties in 2012 also saw a 24 percent increase for the year, with 93 shows in 2012 compared to 75 the previous year. Attendance at Boardwalk Hall dipped in December but is up 9 percent over 2011.

Traffic to the authority's website www.doatlanticcity.com has also continued to increase. December saw a 6 percent increase over the same month in 2011. For the year, visits to the website increased by 19 percent to 3.3 million.

ACCVA has plans to unveil more detailed statistics on nongambling tourism in the resort beginning next month. The new statistics will break down spending in restaurants, retail and concerts, officials have said.

Contact Jennifer Bogdan:

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