ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — Not even Hurricane Sandy was able to wash away a historic tourist season last year in New Jersey.

Gov. Chris Christie said tourism accounted for nearly $40 billion in 2012, up from $38 billion in 2011.

About 82.5 million visitors came to New Jersey last year, an increase of nearly 5 percent over 2011.

Many tourism-related businesses said nice weather led to a good season through Labor Day weekend.