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LONG ISLAND, NY (May 5, 2025) - Discover Long Island (DLI), the region’s only accredited destination marketing organization, is proud to join destinations across the country in celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW), which kicked off Sunday, May 4 and continues through Saturday, May 10, 2025. Established in 1983 by the U.S. Travel Association, this annual celebration highlights the critical role travel plays in powering economies, creating jobs, and supporting communities, both locally and throughout the United States.
According to the latest data from Tourism Economics, Long Island welcomed more than 41 million visitors in 2023, generating a record-breaking $7.5 billion in direct visitor spending, supporting over 76,000 local jobs, and delivering nearly $900 million in state and local tax revenue that goes directly into funding schools, infrastructure, and essential public services.
“The numbers speak for themselves; tourism isn’t just about vacations, it’s about the community, the connections, and impact that ultimately enhances quality of life for our local businesses and residents,” said Discover Long Island Interim President & CEO, Mitch Pally. “What we do fuels the spirit of Suffolk County and the greater Long Island region, and National Travel and Tourism Week is the perfect opportunity to recognize the value of the travel industry as a whole, both locally and nationwide.”
Suffolk County, home to some of Long Island’s most iconic destinations, continues to see the benefits of Discover Long Island’s robust tourism initiatives.
“Tourism is an important part of Suffolk County’s economy and community identity,” said Suffolk County Executive, Ed Romaine. “This week and beyond, we recognize the significant contributions of the individuals and businesses who support our local tourism industry and help showcase the many attractions that make Suffolk County a sought-after place to visit year-round.”
Long Island’s tourism success is part of a larger national picture. Across the U.S., according to the U.S. Travel Association, travel supports 15 million American jobs, fuels $2.9 trillion in total economic output, and saves each American household an estimated $1,490 annually in taxes through travel-generated revenue.
"Travel is one of our nation's most powerful economic engines - supporting millions of jobs, fueling businesses and propelling industries forward,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO, Geoff Freeman. “National Travel and Tourism Week reinforces the pivotal role travel plays in building a stronger, more prosperous America."
Discover Long Island works with more than 660 tourism and hospitality partners across the region to promote Long Island as a premier year-round destination. These partners span every sector of the industry - from hotels and restaurants to cultural institutions, vineyards, attractions, transportation providers, and more, all collaborating to create a unified and impactful visitor experience.
“Tourism plays a vital role in sustaining cultural institutions like ours by bringing in visitors whose support helps keep our exhibits, marine life programs, and conservation efforts thriving,” said Executive Director of the Long Island Aquarium, Bryan DeLuca. “We are grateful for our partnership with Discover Long Island in helping make those visitor connections possible and consistently shining a spotlight on all our region has to offer.”
As part of National Travel & Tourism Week, Discover Long Island encourages residents and visitors alike to:
- Explore a new corner of Long Island.
- Support local businesses and tourism partners.
- Advocate for the industry by sharing why you believe tourism matters.
- Post your favorite Long Island adventures on social media using hashtags #NTTW25 and #DiscoverLongIsland, and tag @discoverlongisland
To stay up to date on Discover Long Island’s efforts, visit discoverlongisland.com. To learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week Visit, ustravel.org/NTTW.
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ABOUT DISCOVER LONG ISLAND:
Discover Long Island is the region’s official destination marketing and leadership organization charged with furthering the destination’s thriving visitor economy, which saw recent record-breaking highs of $7.5 billion in visitor spending. The organization ensures Long Island’s coveted quality of life, thriving industries, and dynamic destination offerings are promoted on a global level, furthering economic development, and benefiting residents and businesses throughout the region. Awarded “Best Social Media” in the nation by the US Travel Association, the organization produces engaging content featuring local businesses and attractions for their 11 social media channels which garner upwards of 10 million views. Additionally, the organization hosts a popular YouTube series, Long Island TV, as well as the Long Island Tea podcast. To learn more, please call 631-951-3900 or visit www.DiscoverLongIsland.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Courtney Guiry
Director of Public Relations & Communications
330 Motor Parkway, Ste. 203
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone 631.951.3900 x. 307
