There are a couple of things New Jersey residents have strong feelings over: the never-ending Taylor ham vs. pork roll debate and if Central Jersey really exists or not. Many in the Garden State only recognize North and South Jersey, but Assembly Bill 5098 looks to change that.

Assembly Member Roy Freiman is pushing the bill and looking to establish new tourism regions and subregions in New Jersey, including Central Jersey. The Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts and Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committees advanced the measure on Thursday.

“From the iconic Jersey shoreline to our bustling, vibrant cities in the north and south, New Jersey is rich in historic and famed tourist attractions. For too long the heart of our state — home to our State capital, historic sites, and bucolic scenery — Central Jersey has not received the real attention it deserves,” Freiman said.

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Bill (A-5098) would establish three new tourism regions for the northern, central and southern parts of the state. The central tourism region will be comprised of Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties. The northern tourism region will be comprised of Sussex, Warren, Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Essex and Hudson counties. The southern tourism region will be comprised of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic, Salem, Cumberland and Cape May counties.

“Travel and tourism is a vital industry and an economic engine for the state generating thousands of jobs and attracting countless tourists each year,” Freiman said.

The Division of Travel and Tourism will also establish up to three subregions within the northern, central and southern tourism regions.

“Redefining New Jersey’s tourism regions, looking at the way we fund tourism efforts, and delving into agritourism will help us highlight both our world-famous attractions and hidden gems,” Freiman said. “These bills can lead to attracting more visitors, boosting local economies, and truly celebrating each and every corner of our state.”

The bill now heads to the speaker for further consideration.