Southern Ocean Chamber Members Host Leaders To Expand Group Tour Market

SHIP BOTTOM, N.J. - June 10, 2018 - PRLog -- The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce has been working to re-introduce motorcoach and larger overnight group tours to the Long Beach Island region. Working with tourism colleagues from Atlantic City,  the regional chamber was invited to participate in the June 9 leg of the Travel Alliance Partners "Tap Dance" tour that was hosted by Atlantic City marketing arm Meet AC. With authentic experience being important for groups of all sizes; the Chamber pitched a private chowderfest tasting and shellfish sustainability tour to familiarize 13 prominent group leaders from across the country with the area's distinctive beach culture.

" We have been successful in the past attracting motorcoach groups of 50 or more with a full itinerary for them to add onto an existing trip that takes them through the state "says Lori Pepenella CEO of Southern Ocean County Chamber and accredited Destination Marketing Organization that represents the region, "we collaborate with cultural activities, local food, shopping and lodging to fill mid week and shoulder season capacity'".  The leaders enjoyed a tour and pour at Ship Bottom Brewery, discussed the importance of repopulating shellfish and met baby clams from Re Clam the Bay, and got a 30th Anniversary Chowderfest overview by coordinator of the chamber's chowderfest weekend, Chowder tasting was provided by Country Kettle Chowda where the group sampled Red, White and Creative and voted for their favorite soup. The tour also included a spice demo from Spice It Up, learned the history, tasted and watched Elephant Ears being made at Crust and Crumb Bakery and took part in a fudge making demonstration by Country Kettle Fudge.

The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce serves as the regional Destination Marketing Organization working as a liaison with national tourism partners, media and the NJ Tourism Industry Association.  The 104 year strong organization owns and operates a year round visitor center at 265 W Ninth St Ship Bottom NJ, hosts a weekly radio show on WBNJ 91.9FM, and manages several social  media platforms including @LbiRegion @souhernoceanchamber @theofficialLBIChowderfest @LBIWeddingRoadShow and websites www.visitLBIregion.com and www.southernoceanmade.com  For more information and how to become a member contact 609 494 7211