MAY 23, 2015, 4:48 PM LAST UPDATED: SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015, 11:41 PM
BY KATHLEEN LYNN AND KIM LUEDDEKE
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD
Despite a decidedly unsummer-like chill, visitors flocked to the Jersey Shore on Saturday, strolling along its boardwalks and filling restaurants and shops in celebration of the long Memorial Day weekend.
“Today’s been nice. Good crowd,” said Nicky Kaslov, owner of the Beach boyz clothing store on the Seaside Heights boardwalk. “I’m hoping to have a good year.”
As the Memorial Day weekend kicks off the traditional summer tourism season, business owners and analysts say that lower gas prices, an improving economy and a craving for sunshine after a tough winter are likely to bring more visitors to the Shore this year.
Experts at Stockton University in Galloway predict a 4 to 5 percent increase in tourism at most Jersey Shore communities this summer — assuming the weather’s bright.