The Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce of Elizabeth, the Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization, and government officials recently gathered with regional leaders at The Mills at Jersey Gardens shopping mall to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Elizabeth Tourism with a celebration acknowledging the city’s cultural, economic, and global milestones.
The event took place on Monday, May 5, which coincided with National Travel and Tourism Week, an initiative led by the U.S. Travel Association to spotlight the role travel plays in powering the economy, strengthening communities, and connecting people across the country.
In 2024, Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization said visitors spent $748 million, a 1.8% increase over the previous year. This spending, driven in part by higher prices across goods and services, resulted in a total economic impact of $1.1 billion.
Visitor activity supported 8,743 jobs, generated $381 million in labor income, and added $119 million in state and local tax revenues. Food and beverage accounted for the largest share of spending at $225 million. Overall, tourism supported one in nine jobs.
“This 10-year milestone is just the beginning for an even better upcoming decade.” said Jennifer Costa, executive director of the Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization. “With global events on the horizon, we’re ready to welcome the world and show them everything Elizabeth has to offer.”
The celebration featured remarks from longtime Mayor J. Christian Bollwage and Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee. Soccer’s World Cup comes to North America in 2026, and many immigrants to Elizabeth from Central and South America will have a strong rooting interest in their former countries competing on soccer’s biggest stage. Eight matches will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, culminating in the title game on July 19, 2026. Elizabeth will play a supporting role in the event.
Elizabeth, once New Jersey’s capital and briefly home to Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, has also benefited with a surge in economic activity on Morris Avenue, one of its main arteries for commerce, with an increase in restaurants, bakeries, beauty salons, travel agencies, and clubs. These establishments are run by immigrants from countries such as Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Ecuador among other nations.
Elizabeth is next to Newark International Airport and from there many visitors can take a shuttle to shop at The Mills at Jersey Gardens shopping mall and take advantage of 0% tax on clothes and shoes. Also near the airport is Elizabeth’s seaport, one of the world’s largest shipping ports. There has also been an uptick in apartment building around the midtown train station, which has direct access to New York City.
