LONG ISLAND, NY  (August 21, 2026) -  Discover Long Island (DLI), the region’s only accredited destination marketing organization, today announces new Tourism Economics data showing that Long Island's visitor economy continues to be a powerful driver of economic growth and community prosperity. Long Island saw $8.4 billion in visitor spending in 2025, up 6.3% from 2024. The report states this total was led by Suffolk County, which grew 7.7% and accounted for 60% of the region’s tourism sales. Across the region, tourism sustained 80,274 jobs, generated $989 million in state and local tax revenue, and delivered economic benefits that strengthen Long Island businesses and communities.

“Tourism is so much more than travel, it is a powerful economic engine that drives investment, supports local businesses, creates jobs, and enriches our communities. This fourth consecutive year of record-breaking tourism performance reinforces that promoting Suffolk County and the greater Long Island region as a premier destination is an investment that delivers lasting value for our residents, businesses, and the region as a whole,” said Discover Long Island President & CEO, Sharon Wyman. “Every individual, whether they are born and raised here or visiting from overseas, who stays at our hotels, dines at our local restaurants, shops in our downtowns, visits an attraction or attends a sporting event contributes to our economy. These dollars add up, making tourism the second-largest private industry in the state.”

2025 Long Island Tourism by the Numbers: Why It Matters

  • $8.4 billion in direct visitor spending | Up 6.3% from $7.9 billion in 2024

  • $989 million in state and local tax revenue | Up from $945 million in 2024

  • $1,018 in annual tax savings per household | Up from $976 per household in 2024

  • 80,274 tourism-supported jobs | Up from 78,418 in 2024

 

Spending on food & beverages and lodging constituted 36% and 21% of the total expenditure, respectively, while retail & service stations added another $1.3 billion, or 15% of the total spend. 

Discover Long Island’s mission focuses on strengthening the drive of this economic activity through strategic destination marketing, public relations, meetings and conventions sales, sports tourism, digital marketing, and international outreach. With more than 700 tourism business partners throughout Suffolk County and the greater Long Island region, the organization continues to build on this destination’s ever-growing global visibility and reputation.

"Our work has always been about more than attracting visitors, it's about creating opportunities for the people and places that make Long Island special," Wyman said. "As we continue to promote Suffolk County’s downtowns, beaches, farms, wineries, historic sites and cultural attractions, we're supporting the local businesses, family-owned establishments, and community organizations that define our region. Supporting tourism means supporting the future of Long Island, helping preserve the character of our communities while strengthening the economy that sustains them."

Discover Long Island Highlights: Generated in 2025

  • Nearly 250 million marketing impressions
  • More than 65 million social media views across DLI channels
  • More than 260 sales leads
  • More than 940k unique website visitors to DiscoverLongIsland.com
  • Nearly 300 earned media placements

 

Through strategic and innovative destination marketing focused on year-round travel, DLI continues to connect locals, visitors, meetings and groups, and journalists with local businesses and communities, helping distribute tourism's economic benefits throughout the year.

In the report, New York State is divided into 11 vacation regions. The region of Long Island (8%) ranked as second largest percentage in visitor spending throughout the state in 2025, behind New York City (63%).

Tourism statistics referenced in this release were provided by Tourism Economics, a globally respected travel data firm, using the Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN) input-output model for New York State. The report can be reviewed in full here.

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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 $8.4B visitor economy. 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.