MONMOUTH COUNTY – On October 1, the 2024 fall tourism season officially kicked off – with the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners celebrating at Bell Works in Holmdel.
According to Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Division of Tourism, the County saw more than 9.5 million visitors in summer 2023 with food and beverage revenues increasing as well as visitor spending increasing.
“We are confident that when the new state report is released next spring for the summer of 2024, we will see the same upward trend from last year,” said Arnone. “We are anticipating a record-breaking summer season for beach revenue – with Monmouth County beaches on track to surpass $30 million in revenue for 2024.”
Local elected officials and tourism partners gathered to discuss the fall season as many will come to visit the county’s natural and manmade landmarks. This includes Monmouth County’s Historic Longstreet Farm, the PNC Bank Arts Center, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Museum, and the many open fields and tranquil lakes.
“We welcome all those who choose to visit these sites. And we thank the county for an extraordinary contribution to help us purchase the site of the historic Horn Antenna for the future Robert Wilson Park,” Holmdel Mayor Rocco Impreveduto said.
“It is an honor for us to welcome you to Bell Works, the world’s first metroburb,” said Ralph Zucker, CEO and Founder of Inspired by Somerset Development. “The world bet against us when we said we wanted to develop this site, but Monmouth County bet with us to make it happen. We took a building that was closed to the public and bet on the people of this town, this county and this state. Bell Works is open to the public every day; please come here and enjoy it.”
County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone shared that the summer of 2024 saw more than 9.5 million visitors to the county. (Photo courtesy Monmouth County)
Mary-Kate Schmidt, Director of Axelrod Performing Arts Academy and Bell Theater, explained how they offer unique activities for young people, like musical theater and dance classes.
“Our vision is to become a leading cultural center and our goal is to create a vibrant cultural scene in the region.” Schmidt said.
Although summer is over, Arnone wants to remind visitors and residents that’s there is still so much to see and do in Monmouth County.
“Fall is one of the best times of year to visit Monmouth County. Our nationally recognized park system has more than 40 properties ranging from parks and golf courses to historic sites and conservation areas. One of the Park System’s most popular events, Thompson Park Day, is happening on October 20 in Lincroft,” said Commissioner Director Arnone. “We have so many amazing happenings all around the county this fall; Brookdale starts its Haunted Theater, and the newly formed Belmar-Lake Como Chamber of Commerce will have its first event, Fall Fest, in late October featuring a car show, live music, vendors and more.”
In addition, the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners presented a Certificate of Recognition to Bob Zuckerman, Executive Director of Red Bank RiverCenter, in honor of his retirement and to congratulate him on his career promoting Red Bank’s local tourism industry.
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