WILDWOODS DOWN 26 PERCENT THROUGH END OF JULY ON TWO PERCENT TOURISM TAX

Numbers through the end of July haven’t looked good in the Wildwoods. The two percent tourism tax, which is imposed on room rentals, prepared food and beverage and certain admission fees, is down 26 percent versus 2012 and is 13 percent behind the five year average through the end of July. July itself was down 25 percent versus 2012 and was down 12 percent versus the five year average. June, which was extremely soggy, was down 29 percent versus the five year average. The data was provided by GWTIDA. The tourism entity’s head, John Siciliano, told 987 The Coast that weather and the economy played a big part. He also noted that tourism hubs like Ocean City, MD, are down and it isn’t just taking place here. Numbers for August won’t be made available until next month. It is important to note that 2012 was a record year for the two percent tax.