Atlantic City officials are vigorously working to change what they say are misperceptions that the city’s tourism infrastructure has been hobbled by Hurricane Sandy. “It really is vital to Atlantic City that we correct the misperception that Atlantic City’s boardwalk and its operations were damaged,” said Liza Cartmell, president and CEO of the Atlantic City Alliance (ACA), a non-profit entity funded and overseen by the city’s casinos to increase tourism. “It’s essential that everyone understand that the boardwalk is not the wreck that is currently being shown.”
Because of the hurricane, nine conventions cancelled, including the New Jersey Education Association, with 45,000 attendees and 2,000 rooms; and the N.J. League of Municipalities, with 20,000 attendees and more than 10,500 rooms. Officials said all conventions have rebooked. There are two major conventions scheduled for December -- the U.S. Sign Council, with 6,000 attendees, and Tristate Realtors, with 9,000 attendees.
The loss of business from the New Jersey Education Association and N.J. League of Municipalities equaled revenue of approximately $30 million, said John Palmieri, executive director of the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. “Those two conventions canceled for obvious reasons -- the hurricane was in their own backyard -- not because of Atlantic City not being ready,” he said. “My message is that our employees are anxious and thankful and optimistic that nice weather’s here. We took a one-two punch and we’re still standing.”
Furthermore, big entertainment acts are helping to drive donations to the city. Carrie Underwood performed on Nov. 9 at Boardwalk Hall, making donations to the city. “I believe a number of artists who are committed to coming to Atlantic City over the next several weeks or months have also volunteered to contribute their fees,” said Cartmell. The concert has boosted occupancies to 85 percent to 90 percent at four Caesars properties, said Don Marrandino, eastern division president of Caesars Entertainment, adding that the city also hosted a HBO After Dark heavyweight championship at Boardwalk Hall on Nov. 10. “All the restaurants we have in town are open. The nightclubs are all open,” said Marrandino. “So it’s really important that we get the word out there.”
Lastly, on Nov. 10, Atlantic City opened two new art parks, which have been under construction for several months. “Fortunately for us, they were relatively undamaged by the storm,” said Cartmell. “These are places the community and visitors can come together and find a place of solace and reflection.”
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