FREE ESSAY ON TOURISM - ATLANTIC CITY

TOURISM - ATLANTIC CITY

The Great Transformation From A Casino City To a Resort Destination
Atlantic City is the place to gamble on the East Coast. Although this may initially seem
to be a positive characteristic, it is evident that this destination has the capability
to be so much more than it already is. This point of interest has the world's first
boardwalk, which opened in 1881, has 4 miles of hotels, amusements, and casinos. Atlantic
City was originally a resort town, until 1978, when it changed into a gaming city. This
popular day-trip destination had over 34 million visitors in 1998 alone. Despite this
amazing statistic, along with the revenue that gambling brings in, many steps are being
taken in order to further promote the expansion of this great city. The renovations and
improvements being made to the Atlantic City Convention Center are already increasing the
amount of money coming in. There is a great deal of other things to focus on in the
Atlantic City region. In endorsing local attractions in this scenic area, and in shifting
the target market of this spot, this city would change back into a resort destination.
When most people think of Atlantic City, the first thing that comes to mind is the casino
attractions that are available. With the city's constant shuffle and excitement, gamblers
from all over go there dreaming of a big win. Many people consider Atlantic City to be
the "Las Vegas of the East Coast". There are over 12 casinos, with one building as
magnificent as the next. At any given second of the day, these hopefuls may have their
lives changed in an instant with just one win. These casino hotels gain most of their
income from gamblers. Casinos employ almost 49,000 people every year. This number should
actually jump when the Marina District opens. Although Atlantic City prospers as a
gambler's paradise, many would love to show others just how much more Atlantic City
really has to offer its tourists.
The Atlantic City Convention Center, built in 1929, was renovated with $72 million in
1997. With the world's largest pipe organ, everyone from the Beatles to Pavarotti has
played there. It was designated a historic landmark in 1987. Conventions, trade shows,
meetings, and public events of the greater Atlantic City area all take place here. When
the renovation is finally completed, it will seat up to 12,000 people for special events.
Such events include boxing, ice hockey and basketball. In addition, concerts and family
entertainment such as Disney on Ice will take place there. Modernizing its facilities
made quite a change in the casino numbers brought in. Between January and October 1996,
the drop was $33 billion. However, during the same period in 1997, the drop was $37
billion. The total win went from $3.2 billion to 3.5 billion. These are just casino
numbers that changed due to this renovation. Keep in mind that there are also restaurant,
theater, retail, and hotel numbers. These changes among many others will help to change
Atlantic City into a travel destination.
In addition, switching the focus off the casinos will also increasing sales. In changing
the target market to families, more visitors will probably come. Perhaps if it was
publicized that Atlantic City has the gift of the Atlantic Ocean, people tourists would
realize how much there really is to do there other than gamble. Fishing, parasailing, and
beach activities may consume their days. Perhaps if many hotels offered some sort of
childcare in the evenings so that these adults may go out and gamble at night, there
would be more families visiting here. There are so many historic places to visit that
many prospective vacationers most likely know of. For example, Renault Winery, the oldest
in the United States, is just moments away. Planet Hollywood, with its glamour and
stimulation, has a location in Atlantic City. Its famous boardwalk has many attractions,
including Ocean One (an oceanliner - shaped mall), a Warner Brothers store, and the store
"Ripley's Believe It or Not" all located right there. Lastly, the Miss America Pageant is
held in Atlantic City each year. If more focus was placed on these non-gaming activities,
perhaps more people would come to Atlantic City as a resort rather than a place for a
day-trip.
Ultimately, these steps taken should all help to transform Atlantic City back into the
resort destination it once was. The future of hospitality would be greatly changed if
this city were to take on such a makeover. It is absolutely vital that these alterations
take place. After all, there is so much more to this beautiful location than staying
indoors in casinos constantly.