Governor Jack Markell's Weekly Message
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Tourism – both in and out of season – in the First State is the call of this week’s Republican message.
Sen. Ernie Lopez of Lewes touted Delaware’s $2.2 billion tourism and recreation industry that helps employ more than 38,000 people.
But Lopez says Delawareans shouldn’t limit their visits to the beaches during the summer. He says residents should help extend the summer season past Labor Day.
"As residents of this state, we all know that Delaware is far from just a one-season wonder. Any time of year is a great time to explore the First State. And while you’re at it spend a few bucks. It’ll be a lot of fun and, just maybe, help keep some of our state’s small businesses strong until next summer.
No matter where you live in Delaware, Lopez says there are opportunities to help sustain local businesses in the off-season.
Full text of Senator Ernie Lopez delivering the Delaware GOP's weekly message
Hi, I’m Senator Ernie Lopez. As a resident of Lewes, I see first-hand the impact of Delaware’s so-called Summer Tourism Season, when our world-famous beaches, restaurants and shops are jam-packed with visitors pumping millions of dollars into our local economy.
State-wide, tourism is a $2.2 billion dollar industry. It’s the 4th largest private employer in the state, employing more than 38 thousand people.
Because it is such a key economic driver, folks in the tourism industry and elected officials are constantly looking for ways to extend the Summer Season and attract more visitors year-round. The answer may be closer than we all think.
It’s time for Delawareans to become tourists in our own state.
The same things that are appealing to visitors – our beautiful beaches, rich history and scenic state parks – should be just as attractive to those of us who live here. When was the last time you saw a race at Dover International Speedway? Spent an afternoon at Wilmington’s Riverfront or Newark’s award-winning Main Street? Or took your kids to the Brandywine Zoo or Delaware Art Museum?
Just last week, members of the Lopez family got on our bikes and hit the new Gordon's Pond bike trail at Cape Henlopen State Park. We got some exercise, shared some laughs, and then we got some lunch in Rehoboth Beach.
As residents of this state, we all know that Delaware is far from just a one-season wonder. ANY time of year is a great time to explore the First State. And while you’re at it spend a few bucks. It’ll be a lot of fun and, just maybe, help keep some of our state’s small businesses strong until next summer. Thank you.
