The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) was among the invited guests to testify before the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee on October 6 to discuss the economic impact of tourism and agritourism in the region.

In her testimony, CCSNJ Director of Government Affairs Hilary Chebra emphasized that tourism remains one of South Jersey’s most vital economic drivers. She highlighted the region’s unique advantage of offering both shore tourism and agritourism, which together attract visitors from across New Jersey and beyond.

Ms. Chebra underscored Atlantic City’s central role in the state’s entertainment and hospitality industries, cautioning legislators to avoid policies that could undermine the city’s competitiveness.

Looking ahead, Ms. Chebra pointed to 2026 as a landmark year for tourism, with several major events expected to draw significant attention and visitors to the state. These include the FIFA World Cup in the Meadowlands and Philadelphia, the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Given South Jersey’s proximity to both Philadelphia and North Jersey, she noted that the region is uniquely positioned to benefit from the influx of visitors.

Finally, Ms. Chebra urged legislators to increase investment in South Jersey’s transportation infrastructure to better connect workers and tourists alike. She encouraged lawmakers to build on the momentum of Governor Murphy’s recent announcement of new transportation initiatives, including the expansion of the electric bus fleet in Camden, the launch of a new bus route linking Vineland and Atlantic City, and the growth of microtransit options for underserved communities.

To read press coverage of the hearing, click here.

To read the CCSNJ's written testimony, click here.