Long Island tourism hit $7.9B with record growth in 2024

Long Island Tourism Hits a Record $7.9 Billion in 2024 — Here's What That Means for Locals and Visitors Alike

If you thought Long Island was just about beaches, bagels, and Billy Joel… well, you're not wrong. But in 2024, Long Island tourism hit new levels of legendary with a record-breaking $7.9 billion in spending — and honestly, we’re not surprised.

From wine trails in the Hamptons to cricket matches and BBQ festivals in Nassau, Long Island is having a moment. Let’s break down what that $7.9B means for our community, the local economy, and your weekend plans.

A $7.9 Billion Boom: Why It Matters

According to the latest New York State tourism economic impact report, Long Island saw $7.9 billion in tourism spending in 2024, up 3.8% from 2023. That's not just a stat — it's a lifeline for the region.

This spending supported 78,418 tourism-related jobs across Nassau and Suffolk counties, and pumped out a whopping $945 million in state and local tax revenue. Yes, you read that right. That’s nearly a billion dollars helping to fund our roads, parks, and public services — and maybe even keeping your property taxes from creeping up.

Here's How It All Breaks Down:

• Suffolk County raked in $4.6 billion

• Nassau County followed closely with $3.2 billion

• Food & beverages made up 36% of spending

• Lodging brought in another 21%

• Retail and gas stations saw $1.2 billion, or 15%

Big Events, Bigger Impact

You can thank a jam-packed calendar for a lot of that revenue. We’re talking about:

• The ICC T20 Cricket World Cup

• The National BBQ Festival

• Epic summer concerts at Eisenhower Park

• And coming soon… the Ryder Cup (hello, $150M+ in expected impact)

And don’t forget the Legends of the LPGA making their debut in Eisenhower Park. It’s all part of a growing wave of high-profile events turning Nassau County into more than just NYC’s quieter neighbor — it's a full-on destination.

“With top-tier accommodations, events, restaurants and venues, people know there’s so much more to explore in the county,” said Jaime Hollander, managing director at RRDA.

Tourism That Gives Back to Locals

One of the most impressive stats? That $945 million in tax revenue is helping you as much as it’s helping visitors.

Over $523 million came directly from local taxes — think sales tax, hotel bed tax, and even property taxes. That means less burden on residents and more funding for the stuff we all enjoy: upgraded infrastructure, better public spaces, and thriving small businesses.

Plus, the tourism industry delivered $2.7 billion in direct personal income to local workers — and generated a further $4.1 billion in ripple-effect spending through business-to-business services and employee purchases.

What’s Next? Even More Growth on the Horizon

Mitch Pally, CEO of Discover Long Island, called the surge “unprecedented,” and he’s not stopping there.

“This third straight year of record-breaking data proves what we’ve always known: Long Island is thriving, and it’s only going up from here.”

With the 2026 U.S. Open on deck and more creative marketing (hello, digital travel trends and influencer partnerships), Long Island is securing its place as one of the top travel destinations in the U.S.

Why Tourists Love Long Island — And You Should Too

Let’s be real. There’s a reason people flock here year after year:

• Pristine beaches in Montauk and Fire Island

• Local seafood so fresh, you’ll rethink what clams are supposed to taste like

• Historic mansions, charming Main Streets, and Insta-worthy vineyards

• And a surprisingly electric event scene all year long

The best part? You don’t have to travel far to enjoy it. Whether you're a day-tripper from the city or a lifelong local rediscovering your backyard, there’s never been a better time to explore Long Island.

Final Thoughts: Long Island Is Just Getting Started

Long Island is proving that tourism isn’t just about visitors — it’s about investing in our communities, creating jobs, and making life better for everyone who lives here. With momentum like this, and events like the Ryder Cup on the horizon, we’re expecting even bigger things in 2025.

So go ahead — book that weekend staycation, try that new restaurant, or check out the next festival in town. You’ll be boosting the economy and having a blast doing it.

Tags:

Long Island tourism, 2024 tourism report, Suffolk County economic impact, Nassau County events, Discover Long Island, NYS visitor spending, Ryder Cup 2024, Long Island travel, local attractions