Discover Long Island, the region’s only accredited destination marketing organization, is proud to announce that tourism on Long Island has once again reached record highs, shattering previous records. Based on recently released data from New York State's annual Tourism Economics report, travelers spent an astounding $7.5 billion across diverse sectors in the Long Island region in 2023, surpassing 2022’s record-breaking spending of $6.6 billion by 12.7%. Tourism-related employment also saw remarkable growth, with 76,227 jobs now attributed to the tourism sector, up from 72,606 jobs in the 2022 report. From a separate report highlighting 2023 Travel USA Visitor Profiles, by Longwoods International, Long Island receives 41.8 million visitors annually. Of that 41.8 million visitors, 18.7 million, or 45%, are overnight trip visitors, and 23.1 million, or 55%, are day trip visitors.
“The continued record-breaking growth of tourism spending on Long Island to a staggering $7.5 billion in 2023 positions our region in a new competitive set of many top tier metropolitan destinations in the US, including Anaheim, Dallas, Scottsdale and Tampa Bay and even tops many other states in overall tourism economic impact,” said Discover Long Island President and CEO, Kristen Reynolds “This trajectory of year-over-year growth is a testament to the innovative and successful tourism strategies that are supported by our local leaders, guided by our Board of Directors and executed by our team of talented tourism experts at Discover Long Island. Most importantly, it’s Long Island residents who reap the greatest rewards from a thriving tourism industry that creates local jobs, supports small businesses, and generates $900 million in local and state tax revenues, lowering every household’s tax levy by almost $1,000 annually.”
Spending on food & beverages and lodging constituted 36% and 20% of the total expenditures, respectively, while retail & service stations added another $1.2 billion, or 16% of total spend. Suffolk County enjoyed the largest increase in tourism spending in 2023 with 15.6% more spending over 2022 while Nassau increased 9.1% over the previous year.
Tourism on Long Island also generated an impressive $900 million in state and local taxes in 2023, up from $814 million in 2022. Once again, Suffolk County led the way by constituting 57.7% of the region’s tourism tax base, an increase from the 2022 report showing Suffolk County constituting 56.4%. Were it not for tourism-generated state and local taxes, the average household in the region would need to pay an additional $932 to maintain the current level of government revenue.
"These record levels of tourism spending highlight the tremendous benefits of investing in our region,” said Discover Long Island Board Chair, Mitch Pally. “By working with Discover Long Island to showcase Long Island's unique attractions, from our stunning beaches to our thriving culinary scene, and everything in between, we can continue to support our local communities and businesses year after year."
Discover Long Island will continue to build on this momentum by implementing innovative and data-driven marketing strategies geared towards targeted audiences that position Long Island as a year-round destination. Utilizing cutting edge technology and tapping into consumer trends to build on the success of its award-winning campaigns, such as the You “BeLONG” on Long Island initiative, Discover Long Island aims to keep Long Island at the forefront of travelers' minds, ensuring sustainable and equitable growth for the destination.
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.
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.