NEW JERSEY — The Highlands Council has launched a new regional tourism website aimed at promoting destinations and boosting economic activity across the New Jersey Highlands.
The site, enjoynjhighlands.com, is part of a multiyear effort to strengthen the region’s tourism industry and highlight its environmental, cultural and recreational assets.
“A core responsibility of the Highlands Council is to ensure economic sustainability along with environmental protection in this region,” said Ben Spinelli, executive director of the Highlands Council. “We know that nearly 18 million people visit the region each year and that ecotourism and agritourism are already powerful economic drivers. Providing a place where visitors can see the ‘big picture’ of this region will only strengthen the tourism economy in the region.”
The website allows users to explore the Highlands by interest — including hiking, history and dining — or by county, covering Bergen, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties. It also offers curated itineraries and tools for planning customized trips, along with information on lodging, events and local attractions.
“For many years residents and visitors to the region have remarked about the tourism potential of the New Jersey Highlands, and I’m really grateful to the tourism and economic development professionals throughout the region who have been working with the Highlands Council to help us maximize these opportunities through a regional brand,” said Maryjude Haddock-Weiler, planning manager for the Highlands Council. “The enjoynjhighlands.com website brings together all the amazing agrotourism, ecotourism, historical and cultural opportunities that exist across the Highlands region in one central online location.”
The site is part of a broader branding initiative that includes a new regional identity developed in partnership with a national marketing firm. The effort introduced a logo and the tagline “you never Knew Jersey,” and incorporated input from representatives across the seven Highlands counties.
“Those who live, play and work in the New Jersey Highlands already know how special the region is,” said Highlands Council Chairman Carl Richko. “Now that the region has a unified identity it’s time for us to share it far and wide. The Council is truly thrilled to be facilitating connection between visitors and Highlands businesses.”
The website also includes a feature allowing business owners and residents to suggest additional destinations and experiences for inclusion.
