YOU BELONG CAMPAIGN HONORED FOR AUTHENTIC STORIES OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES, CULTURE, AND LONG ISLAND IDENTITY
LONG ISLAND, NY (JULY, 2025) - Discover Long Island (DLI), the region’s only accredited destination marketing organization, is proud to announce that its You BeLONG video series, a campaign that authentically spotlights diverse Long Islanders and their personal connections to the region, has been recognized with several high-profile awards in the first half of 2025. The honors span globally recognized awards programs including the Telly Awards, the Webby Awards, and the Fair Media Council Folio Awards.
Through showcasing various local subjects and themes unique to the region, the video series serves as a platform for local business owners, artists, and community leaders to tell their experiences and demonstrate the powerful and inspiring stories of Long Island’s people and places. Judges across these awards programs recognized the series for capturing the authenticity, diversity, and character that sets Long Island apart.
“These awards speak volumes, not just about Discover Long Island’s dedication to the region but to Long Island itself,” said Mitch Pally, Interim President & CEO of Discover Long Island. “From our resilient business owners to inspiring artists, lively downtowns, and the region’s natural beauty, Long Island and its people make it easy to tell a compelling story worthy of award wins. We simply turned on the camera and let the community shine.”
The 29th Annual Webby Awards, known as, “the internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, named Discover Long Island’s You BeLONG video series a Webby Honoree in the Video & Film – Travel & Lifestyle category. This distinction places the campaign among the top 25% of all global entries, alongside international heavyweights like CNN, Lonely Planet, and The Points Guy.
At this year’s Telly Awards, which honor excellence in video and television across all screens and receive over 13,000 global entries annually, Discover Long Island was awarded three honors:
- Silver Telly Award – Indian Spices with Waterfront Views (General – Culture & Lifestyle)
- Silver Telly Award – Long Island: Where You BeLONG, Series II (Campaign – Travel & Tourism)
- People’s Bronze Telly Award – Breaking Barriers on the Bay (General – Online Series, Shows & Segments)
In addition, Discover Long Island’s You BeLONG series received a Folio Award from the Fair Media Council, which celebrates excellence in local and national journalism and storytelling.
These recognitions reinforce Discover Long Island’s mission to elevate the region’s profile, drive economic growth through tourism, amplify local voices and visibility of our local downtowns, and position Long Island as an inviting, world-class destination.
To stay up to date on Discover Long Island’s efforts, visit discoverlongisland.com.
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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.
