Some Beach Haven shop and inn owners say they expect the same number of tourists this summer compared to last, despite the tough economy.

"My gut feeling is that we're going to do about the same or maybe a little better than last year," Rick Stevens, a Beach Haven realtor, says.

Some travel experts say many New Jersey residents will vacation closer to home this summer in order to save money, which could increase the number of beach-goers and benefit communities like Beach Haven.

Though the recession has impacted off-season business, Bay Avenue businesses expect to attract many customers in the summer months. Some shop owners say they will show their appreciation to customers by offering discounts and coupons.

"We're offering more deals, coupons," Anna Richards, who owns Crust and Crumb Bakery, says. "We put coupons in the paper for percentages."