From May 3–9, 2026, Discover Long Island is proud to join destinations and travel organizations across the country in celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW), an annual tradition led by the U.S. Travel Association that highlights the critical role travel plays in powering our economy, strengthening communities, and enriching lives.
Did you know? Travel is more than just taking a vacation. It’s opportunity in motion. It fuels job creation, business innovation, and government investment in services we all rely on.
✈️Travel Is Essential
This year’s theme, “Postmarked: Essential,” reinforces a powerful message: travel is not just a leisure activity, it is a vital force shaping our nation’s past, present, and future.
As the United States prepares for a historic decade of global events, including this year's upcoming FIFA World Cup, U.S. Open Golf Championship, and the nation’s 250th anniversary, travel will continue to play a central role in welcoming the world and showcasing destinations like Long Island on a global stage.
📈The Impact of Travel—By the Numbers
The numbers tell a compelling story. In 2025, travel in the United States generated:
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$2.9 trillion in total economic output
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$1.4 trillion in direct travel spending
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$197 billion in tax revenue
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15 million jobs (that’s 1 in every 11 U.S. jobs)
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2.4% of total U.S. GDP
These figures underscore travel’s role as one of America’s most powerful economic engines: fueling businesses, supporting livelihoods, and driving growth in communities nationwide.
📍What Travel Means for Long Island
Here on Long Island, tourism is more than a seasonal driver, it’s a year-round economic powerhouse that supports local businesses, sustains jobs, and enhances quality of life for residents.
Visitor spending helps fund essential services like infrastructure, public safety, and education, while also supporting the vibrant downtowns, cultural institutions, and small businesses that define our communities across Suffolk County and the greater Long Island region.
🤝Travel Builds Connection
Beyond the economic impact, travel brings people together in meaningful ways. It fosters cultural exchange, inspires lifelong learning, and creates lasting memories - whether it’s a beach day on Fire Island, a wine tasting on the North Fork, or a weekend exploring historic Gold Coast mansions.
Travel doesn’t just move people, it connects them.
🙂Join Us in Celebrating #NTTW26
National Travel & Tourism Week is a moment to recognize and celebrate the people and places that make travel possible, from hospitality workers and small business owners to destination partners across Long Island. This National Travel & Tourism Week, we invite you to:
- Explore a new part of Long Island!
- Support the businesses that make Long Island special!
- Advocate for travel - let your local legislators know why the tourism industry matters to you. Whether it’s job creation, infrastructure improvements, or preserving the places you love, your voice helps ensure travel and tourism remain top priorities in our community.
- Share your favorite Long Island adventures on social media using #NTTW26 and #DiscoverLongIsland - because when you travel locally, you help Long Island shine.
