Long Island Tourism Breaks Records as Visitor Spending...

Direct visitor spending on Long Island reached a record $8.4 billion in 2025, representing a 6.3 percent increase from 2024 and marking the region's fourth consecutive year of growth. The performance supported 80,274 regional jobs and generated $989 million in state and local tax revenue, providing a significant offset to household tax burdens.

The Local Trend Revealed

According to data compiled by Tourism Economics and released by Discover Long Island, the visitor economy continues to expand across both Nassau and Suffolk counties. The growth highlights a shift toward high-value, multi-day tourism rather than simple arrival volumes:

County Expenditure Breakdown: Suffolk County drove the regional expansion, accounting for approximately 60 percent of regional tourism sales (about $5.0 billion, representing a 7.7 percent spending increase). Suffolk's growth was supported by premium destinations like the Hamptons, Montauk, Fire Island, and the North Fork wine country. Nassau County accounted for the remaining 40 percent (about $3.4 billion), supported by attractions like Jones Beach, Long Beach, and Garden City.
Visitor Expenditure Categories: Food and beverages captured the largest share of spending at 36 percent. Lodging represented 21 percent, while retail and service stations accounted for 15 percent (generating approximately $1.3 billion).
Tax and Job Multipliers: Tourism-supported jobs rose to 80,274 (up from 78,418 in 2024 and 76,227 in 2023). State and local tax generation reached $989 million (up from $945 million in 2024 and $900 million in 2023). Without this visitor-generated revenue, the average Long Island household would have had to contribute an estimated $1,018 more in annual taxes to maintain existing government services.
Statewide Position: Long Island accounted for approximately 8 percent of New York State's total visitor spending, ranking as the second-largest tourism region in the state after New York City (which captured 63 percent).
Marketing Expansion: Discover Long Island's promotional activities generated nearly 250 million marketing impressions, over 65 million social-media views, nearly 940,000 unique website visitors, 260 sales leads, and 300 earned-media placements during 2025.

Local Community & Environmental Value

For the traveler, the real impact of Long Island's tourism economy lies in the preservation of agricultural open space and coastal ecosystems. By purchasing fresh local produce at farm stands along Route 25 on the North Fork, and tasting wines directly from independent family-run vineyards, visitors directly support regional farmers and land-preservation cooperatives.

Eco-tourism is also central to Long Island's barrier beaches. Fire Island's pedestrian-only policy serves as a model of low-impact travel, where cars are restricted and visitors navigate via walking, cycling, or water taxis, protecting fragile coastal dunes. Travelers can also minimize their carbon footprint by taking the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Manhattan directly to beach communities, avoiding vehicle gridlock and tailpipe emissions.

Visitor Insider Tips for Long Island Travel

Travel specialists recommend the following practices:

Observe Local Beach Ordinances: Public parking at major Hamptons beaches (such as Cooper’s Beach in Southampton) requires expensive daily permits. To bypass parking hassles, take the LIRR to Montauk or East Hampton and rent a bicycle or use local shuttle buses.
Observe the Off-Peak Window: Visit during the "local's summer" shoulder season (September to October). Wineries on the North Fork are harvesting grapes, the ocean water is still warm, and hotel rates in the Hamptons drop by up to 50 percent compared to July and August.
Sample Local Culinary Specialties:
- Try fresh Peconic Bay Scallops during the autumn harvest season.
- Enjoy fresh oysters from North Fork oyster farms, or sample roasted Long Island Duck paired with a local Merlot.
Avoid Fire Island Tick Risks: When walking the boardwalks and wooded trails of Fire Island or nearby Camp Hero State Park, stay on designated paths. Ticks are common in tall grasses; perform a thorough tick check after hikes.
Explore Under-the-Radar Spots: Skip the crowded Montauk Lighthouse parking lot and explore Camp Hero State Park next door for wooded hikes and ocean bluffs. In Nassau County, visit Sands Point Preserve to explore historic Gold Coast mansions and quiet shores along the Long Island Sound.

Tourism Outlook

The transition toward year-round tourism will strengthen the regional economy. By marketing vineyard tours, cultural venues, and meetings outside the summer months, Discover Long Island helps local businesses retain staff and revenue year-round, securing Long Island's role within the broader framework promoted by the New York State Department of Economic Development (I LOVE NY).

FAQ: Long Island Tourism Statistics

What was direct visitor spending on Long Island in 2025? Direct visitor spending reached $8.4 billion in 2025, marking a 6.3 percent increase compared to the $7.9 billion recorded in 2024.

How does tourism spending affect local household taxes? Tourism-generated state and local taxes offset household tax burdens by an estimated $1,018 annually per Long Island household.

Which county drives the majority of Long Island's tourism sales? Suffolk County accounted for approximately 60 percent of the region's tourism sales (about $5.0 billion), while Nassau County accounted for 40 percent (about $3.4 billion).

What is the largest spending category for visitors on Long Island? Food and beverages represented the largest expenditure sector, accounting for 36 percent of total visitor spending in 2025.