South Jersey's Summer Tourism Rebounds, But Economic Concerns Remain

Issue #492

October 22, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 South Jersey's Summer Tourism Rebounds, But Economic Concerns Remain

✡️ Jewish Family Service Launches High-Tech Mobile Pantry With $100K Boost

🩺Ocean City Physician Barred from Practicing Over Prescription Scam

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Daisy Lane Boutique

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 October 22

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South Jersey's Summer Tourism Rebounds, But Economic Concerns Remain

The summer of 2025 delivered largely positive results for South Jersey’s tourism industry, especially in key destinations like Atlantic City and the Wildwoods, according to a panel of experts at Stockton University’s sixth annual Jersey Shoreview forum. Hosted by the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT), the event brought together regional leaders in tourism, hospitality, and economics to assess the season and discuss what's ahead. While weather setbacks and consumer spending shifts posed some challenges, panelists noted encouraging gains across multiple sectors. The Atlantic City casino industry, in particular, saw strong growth, with total gross gaming revenue reaching $1.73 billion, a 15.4% increase over 2024. In-person casino spending was also up, totaling $855 million, a 5.5% increase. Meetings and conventions added another boost, with 15 shows hosted over the summer—a 150% jump from last year—bringing in $17.7 million in delegate spending. Traffic along the Atlantic City Expressway’s Pleasantville Toll Plaza ticked slightly upward, rising 0.6% to 5.53 million vehicles. However, casino employment was down 2.9% compared to the previous year, raising questions about staffing shortages and efficiency shifts in the labor market. However, challenges remain. A sharp 60% drop in Canadian visitors—traditionally a reliable tourism base in Cape May County—was attributed to changing immigration policies. In response, Wildwood officials ramped up marketing efforts toward Latino family markets, which showed promising returns. Looking ahead to 2026, panelists expressed cautious optimism but warned of rising inflation, climbing unemployment in the region, and broader economic uncertainty. Local unemployment is hovering near 7%, notably higher than the state average of around 5%.

Jewish Family Service Launches High-Tech Mobile Pantry With $100K Boost

Jewish Family Service of Atlantic and Cape May Counties has launched a mobile food pantry to address growing food insecurity in Atlantic City. The pantry, unveiled on October 15, will serve over 3,500 residents by distributing 10,000 pounds of fresh produce in its first year. Supported by a $100,000 grant from Borgata and MGM Resorts, the mobile pantry also features a choice-based system and offers hygiene kits and wraparound services. JFS aims to expand monthly distributions.  

Ocean City Physician Barred from Practicing Over Prescription Scam

 A South Jersey doctor, Brian Sokalsky, has had his medical license suspended while serving a supervised release following a 15-month prison sentence for health care fraud. He admitted to participating in a scheme that defrauded insurance plans of over $5 million by issuing unnecessary prescriptions for compounded medications. In addition to the suspension, Sokalsky must pay a $25,000 fine and complete an ethics course. The New Jersey medical board may impose further restrictions if he seeks to return to practice.

 

Which U.S. president was a frequent guest at Cape May, New Jersey?

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Answer to the October 21st Trivia Question

Which famous abolitionist is associated with Cape May, New Jersey, due to her summer visits?

A) Sojourner Truth
B) Frederick Douglass
C) Harriet Tubman
D) William Lloyd Garrison

Answer: C) Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman frequently visited Cape May during the summer months in the 1850s, where she worked and strategized for the Underground Railroad​

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