weekend. Showboat and its sister property, Harrah's Atlantic City, both saw 90%-100% occupancy rates every day, according to Susan Kotzen, director of public affairs. "Overall, the summer was another banner season," Kotzen said.

At the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, business was "terrific," according to Teresa Davila, vice president of hotel operations. "We thought it was comparable to last summer," she said. "Our 1,250 rooms were 100% occupied."

Noncasino hotels also experienced high occupancy rates. Business was "very brisk" at the Quality Inn Beach Block. Occupancy was above 95%, said Bryan Sibson, general manager, and both July and August saw increases over last year.

Attractions, Restaurants and Activities See Good Results

More visitors mean more patrons for a variety of businesses and attractions. George Siganos, president of Siganos Management, felt that his Boardwalk stores, and the stores of his tenants, did well. Siganos previously operated food concessions in Ocean One Mall, now closed for renovations. He spent $3 million building 15 new shops and restaurants on the Boardwalk frontage between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Indiana Avenue. They opened in May and June 2003.

"Compared to the business at the mall, we did almost the same or more," Siganos said. "I have tenants on the Boardwalk who want to expand."

Historic Gardner's Basin had its busiest summer ever, according to Jack Keith, executive director. "Attendance at the Ocean Life Center was up about 6%," he said. "Our new restaurant, Back Bay Ale House, saw activity they weren't expecting until 2004. The Flying Cloud restaurant did better than ever and the marina was always full." Even though the first day of the annual New Jersey Fresh Seafood Festival held at the park was rained out, the second day, Keith said, was "fabulous."

The Atlantic City Sightseeing Trolley Tours, operated by the Great American Trolley Company, saw a healthy increase in business during the second summer of tour operations, according to Vice President Susan Adelizzi-Schmidt. The company offered guided tours in Atlantic City, Smithville and Cape May. "We had folks from all over the country and from Australia, Canada and England on the tours," Adelizzi- Schmidt said. "It was wonderful to be able to show them the area." The Great American Trolley Company is looking to expand its tour schedule next year, she added.

New Attractions are Good for Everyone

"It was a great summer overall for Atlantic City," said Jeffrey Vasser, executive director of the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority. "The new casino, activities and attractions focused a lot of attention on the city and brought new visitors to the area. With the other new developments that will be opening throughout the coming year, such as The Walk shopping and entertainment complex (left) and the Tropicana's The Quarter development, we anticipate additional visitor growth and that means more business for everyone."