While Atlantic City’s entertainment and convention sectors continue to draw crowds from across the region, a mix of economic caution and rising operational challenges point to a complex road ahead for the resort city.
That was the core consensus delivered by tourism and economic experts during the seventh annual Jersey Shoreview panel discussion, held at Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus. Co-hosted by Stockton’s Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT) and Visit Atlantic City, the event brought together industry leaders to dissect the past summer season and map out the future.
Though high-profile summer events—including massive concerts by Shakira and Phish, WWE wrestling matches, and the Atlantic City Airshow—kept visitors coming, broader economic trends weighed heavily on the local market.
Stockton Associate Professor of Economics Oliver Cooke described the season as “a very cautious summer,” pointing to employment data that showed summer job numbers roughly 3% lower than the previous year, equating to about 5,500 fewer jobs. While July remained relatively strong, June was soft and August proved disappointing, mirroring national pressures such as inflation, high gas prices, and shifting consumer confidence.
“The top end of the consumer market continues to fly along very well,” Cooke noted. “Everyone else is kind of much more cautious.”
Despite consumer hesitation on everyday purchases, visitors demonstrated a strong willingness to splurge on destination entertainment and memorable experiences.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall General Manager Jim McDonald highlighted that approximately 95% of attendees at Boardwalk Hall travel from more than 60 miles away, with 65% of visitors for a recent three-day Phish run coming from over 150 miles distant. These long-distance travelers create vital ripple effects for local hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses.
“People want that experience. They want to create that memory,” Michael Chait of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority said as he emphasized that consumer prioritization of live entertainment remains a powerful economic engine.
To sustain momentum year-round, Atlantic City increasingly relies on its convention and meeting business during traditional off-peak months. Anthony Molino, vice president of sales for Visit Atlantic City, reported that the convention center remains busy through the end of the year, though he acknowledged the market is “highly competitive.”
However, panelists issued warnings regarding looming threats to this growth. Gary Musich, president and CEO of Visit Atlantic City, flagged the uncertain future of the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel. Without securing $100 million in state tax credits, the hotel faces potential closure in December—a loss of attached lodging that could severely hurt the city’s ability to compete for major multi-day conventions.
Other long-term hurdles include escalating operating costs, looming casino competition from New York, and ongoing questions regarding consumer disposable income.
As Atlantic City looks ahead, experts agree that doubling down on its strengths as a premier entertainment and convention hub will be vital to navigating economic uncertainty.
