Cape May County Launches Summer Tourism Push Around America’s 250th Celebration

CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ — Cape May County has unveiled a 2026 tourism campaign tied to America’s 250th anniversary, with county leaders saying the effort is designed to draw summer visitors to all 16 shore towns. The campaign was presented Tuesday during a caucus meeting of the Cape May County Board of Commissioners in Cape May Court House.

Tourism Director Diane Wieland presented the campaign, which will run from June through the peak summer season under the banner, "Celebrate America's 250th in Cape May County. All Season Long. Every Shore Town. One Celebration." The campaign also uses the tagline, "George Washington Crossed the Delaware, why don't you?," inviting visitors to follow George Washington’s path to the Jersey Cape.

According to the county, the Greater Philadelphia region is projected to draw 3.5 million visitors this summer for the FIFA World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, and the America 250 celebration. The source says the 250th celebration alone is expected to generate $2.5 billion in regional economic impact, and the county’s plan is intended to capture a share of that travel.

The county said the campaign targets families, couples, and multigenerational groups ages 36 to 70 with household incomes between $75,000 and $150,000. Based on Cape May County’s 2025 Visitor Survey, the focus will be on Greater Philadelphia, North and Central New Jersey, New York, the Baltimore-to-DC corridor, Northern Virginia, and Connecticut, placing about 30 million potential visitors within driving distance.

June messaging will focus on early awareness through broadcast and streaming TV, digital video, mobile geo-targeting at stadiums and hotels, and trip-planning public relations, according to the presentation. In July, the campaign shifts to "Peak America 250," with July 4 as the headline moment, along with billboards in feeder markets and continued geo-targeting aimed at extending visits.

Cape May County is committing $107,671 of its $257,000 annual advertising budget, or about 42 percent, to the 250th portion of the campaign. Performance will be measured through impressions, reach, engagement, video completion, website traffic, and referrals, with real-time adjustments and a post-season report.

"This plan unites our 16 shore towns in a season-long celebration of America's 250th anniversary," said Commissioner Director Leonard C. Desiderio. "Pairing the energy of FIFA and the All-Star Game with our historic Jersey Cape attractions, we expect strong visitation and meaningful economic growth while honoring our shared American heritage."

The campaign launches immediately and will continue through peak summer, with ongoing public relations tied to municipal events and the "Where's George" series. More information about Cape May County’s Celebrate America 250 events is available at capemaycountynj.gov or through the Department of Tourism at tourism@co.cape-may.nj.us.