ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Not even Superstorm Sandy could wash away a historic tourist season last year in New Jersey.

Gov. Chris Christie said Wednesday that tourism hit a record level in 2012 and accounted for nearly $40 billion, up from $38 billion in 2011. The 2012 figure was the highest since the annual record-keeping began. Also, about 82.5 million visitors came to New Jersey last year, an increase of nearly 5 percent over 2011 levels.