(L to R: Mitch Pally, Sharon Wyman, Nick LaLota)
Tourism and government leaders convene to discuss initiatives driving the region’s nearly $8B visitor economy
LONG ISLAND, NY (March 12, 2026) - Discover Long Island (DLI), the region’s only accredited destination marketing organization, hosted its 2026 Annual Meeting & Legislative Breakfast Thursday morning, March, 12, at the Hyatt Regency Long Island, welcoming more than 160 tourism industry leaders, partners, and elected officials, the largest attendance in the organization’s annual meeting history.
The event brought together stakeholders from across the region to discuss the continued growth of Long Island’s visitor economy and the initiatives shaping its future.
According to the latest tourism data released by Tourism Economics, Long Island’s tourism industry generated $7.9 billion in visitor spending in 2024, a 3.8% increase from the previous year, supporting nearly 80,000 local jobs and generating more than $945 million in state and local tax revenue. Officials expect that figure to surpass $8 billion when 2025 data is released later this year.
“Tourism continues to be a powerful economic driver for Long Island,” said Discover Long Island Chief Operating Officer, Sharon Wyman. “From supporting local jobs and small businesses to generating vital tax revenue that benefits our communities, these numbers reinforce that tourism truly works for our region.”
In addition to an in depth presentation by Discover Long Island on the organization’s strategic initiatives, the event’s program featured remarks from regional tourism and policy leaders including Nick LaLota, U.S. Representative for New York’s 1st Congressional District; Kathy Moser, Acting Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Mark Dorr, President of the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association; and Angie Carpenter, Islip Town Supervisor.
Speakers highlighted Suffolk County, Long Island’s competitive advantages as a global destination, including its many lively downtowns, renowned beaches and parks, history and culture, and world-class golf, while outlining upcoming initiatives aimed at sustaining year-round tourism growth.
Among the key initiatives discussed:
- Leveraging global sporting events, including close work between DLI and USGA surrounding the upcoming U.S. Open Golf Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in June.
- Expanding international marketing efforts through a new consumer campaign targeting travelers in the U.K., Canada, Germany, and Scandinavian markets.
- Strengthening regional accessibility and partnerships, including collaborations with Wheel the World, Guide Dog Foundation, and America’s VetDogs to support inclusive travel.
- Promoting Long Island’s natural and cultural assets, including state and county parks and regional initiatives tied to the nation’s upcoming United States Semiquincentennial. As part of the Long Island 250 commemoration led by Suffolk County, Discover Long Island is amplifying the stories, sites, and moments that connect the region to this pivotal chapter in American history. Through a new educational initiative, DLI has partnered with the County to purchase and distribute official Long Island 250 Passport Books to underserved school districts, helping introduce students to historic landmarks and Revolutionary-era sites while encouraging the young residents to explore and learn about the history in their own backyard.
- Driving visitation through strategic partnerships, including marketing collaborations with Long Island MacArthur Airport and the Long Island Rail Road to make travel to Long Island easier than ever.
Discover Long Island also highlighted several marketing and industry initiatives for 2026, including the debut of its brand new 2026–2027 Long Island Inspiration Guide, expanded media partnerships, new tourism campaigns designed to drive off-season hotel bookings, and increased engagement with local communities and downtown business districts.
“This gathering reflects the strength of our tourism community,” said Discover Long Island Interim President & CEO, Mitch Pally. “With major events on the horizon, expanding international interest, and strong collaboration with our partners and elected officials, Long Island is well positioned to continue growing as a premier destination to visit, live, and do business.”
This Annual Meeting & Legislative Breakfast serves as one of Discover Long Island’s primary yearly gatherings for industry stakeholders, providing updates on tourism trends, organizational initiatives, and opportunities to strengthen partnerships across the region.
For more information about Discover Long Island and its initiatives, visit DiscoverLongIsland.com.
(L to R: Mark Dorr, Kathy Moser, Angie Carpenter)
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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 $7.9 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 garnering 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.
