New Jersey Delaware Bayshore Nature Tourism and Economic Development

Summary

The Delaware Bayshore in southern New Jersey is a region rich in protected lands, diverse coastal habitats, and cultural resources, yet relatively little had been known about its visitors. To address this gap, The Nature Conservancy conducted a visitor survey between May and October 2015 to better understand tourism patterns and economic opportunities in the Cumberland County Delaware Bayshore.

Results from 250 completed surveys indicate exceptionally high visitor satisfaction, with nearly all respondents reporting they would return. Visitors frequently spent money at local restaurants, and birding and wildlife viewing emerged as the top reasons for visiting. Respondents also showed strong interest in historic and cultural activities, suggesting opportunities to combine nature‑based and cultural tourism. Survey participants came from across New Jersey and several other states.

This fact sheet summarizes the key findings and outlines recommendations to strengthen tourism strategies, including investing in tourism infrastructure, targeting birders as a core audience, and improving promotion of available information and events. The findings support nature‑based tourism as a meaningful driver of economic development while maintaining the Delaware Bayshore’s natural and cultural integrity.