NEW GROUNDBREAKING PERCEPTION STUDY AND VIRTUAL REALITY VIDEOS BOOST LONG ISLAND TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS

LONG ISLAND, NY (January 16, 2019) ­– This week, Discover Long Island unveiled new data sharing perceptions of Long Island by travelers and business executives in the region’s target markets across the country.

The study, conducted and led by one of the nation’s top research institutes, Longwoods International, was commissioned in partnership with the Manufacturing Consortium of Long Island (MCLI), National Grid, HIA-LI, Long Island University and Long Island MacArthur Airport, to learn the challenges and opportunities for the region’s image and attributes, that directly and indirectly impact economic development and potential growth.

Key findings revealed strong name recognition for the destination overall, but little-known knowledge of its attributes, including that Long Island is home to famed beaches, the Gold Coast, The Hamptons, vineyards and the region’s historic significance. Most respondents did not recognize Long Island as having much open and outdoor space and instead perceived it to be more urban, smoggy and congested. In addition, the study showed that once readers learned of the types of tourism product and activities available on Long Island, the perception and intent to visit or consider relocation sharply increased.

In response to the intel gathered from Longwoods International, Discover Long Island launched the region’s first-ever virtual reality promotional video, developed by award-winning IMAX Filmmaker, MacGillivray Films. The virtual reality assets allow perspective travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the destination, exploring a virtual day at the beach, a Long Island vineyard and stroll amongst the beautiful gardens or a seaside bike ride along a boardwalk.

“This placemaking study connects tourism’s pivotal role in destination branding with regional business attraction and sustainability,” said Kristen Jarnagin, President & CEO of Discover Long Island. “Understanding how our region is perceived nationwide allows our organization to build innovative destination marketing assets, such as the new virtual reality creatives, which showcase the eclectic and unmatched beauty of Long Island and extends far beyond targeting tourists by serving as a resource for all Long Island business attraction efforts.”

Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging platform that has begun to deliver tangible results for destinations around the globe. Research from YouVisit states that “Over 13% of people who experience a destination in VR go on to book a trip or get in contact with lodging or transportation companies.”

“We are very excited to be a part of this new research by Discover Long Island and we want to thank them for their leadership in marketing Long Island and identify the regions strengths to attract businesses. National Grid is committed to promoting Long Island and growing the economy. We are proud to support attracting new business through our Cooperative Business Recruitment Grant Programs,” said John Bruckner, President of National Grid, New York.

“Positive perception and destination awareness play a key role in regional workforce attraction and economic development,” said Anne Shybunko-Moore, President of GSE Dynamics and Chairwoman of MCLI. “Together, we can elevate Long Island’s global brand, highlighting the region’s natural assets and crucial role in producing some of the world’s top products.”

“The better we understand the impact Long Island has on the economy, the better we’ll be able to bolster our national and global competitiveness,” said Terri Alessi-Miceli, President + CEO of the HIA-LI. “How many people know, for example, that the Hauppauge Industrial Park is America’s second-largest industrial park, surpassed only by Silicon Valley? We’re delighted to partner with the Discover Long Island team on this exciting and intriguing initiative because we understand the importance of tourism and attracting people to Long Island.”

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ABOUT DISCOVER LONG ISLAND:

Discover Long Island is the official regional organization charged with furthering the $5.9 billion tourism economy. The organization contributes to the economic development and quality of life on Long Island by promoting the region as a world-class destination for visitors, meetings and conventions, trade shows, sporting events and related activities. For more information, please call 631-951-3900 or visit DiscoverLongIsland.com.