Tourism & Hospitality Statistics
Tourism is one of Long Island’s most powerful economic engines. With world-class beaches, historic villages, culinary hotspots, vibrant downtowns, and proximity to New York City, Long Island attracts millions of visitors each year – and their impact is substantial.
Visitors inject billions of dollars into the local economy annually through lodging, dining, entertainment, shopping, and transportation. That spending supports local jobs, generates tax revenue, and fuels thousands of small businesses – from boutique hotels and marinas to wineries, shops, and family-friendly attractions. Even as travel trends evolve and compete with nearby destinations, Long Island’s tourism sector remains strong, resilient, and increasingly diverse.
Below is the latest snapshot of visitor spending, employment, tax revenue and hospitality performance across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Key Facts & Details: Long Island Tourism & Hospitality Snapshot
| Metric | Long Island (Total) | Nassau County | Suffolk County | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor spending | $7.5 billion | $3.18B (43%) | $4.28B (57%) | 2023 | Up 12.7% from $6.6B in 2022 |
| Visitor spending growth | +3.8% | — | — | 2024 | Preliminary data shows $7.9B in 2024 |
| Tourism-supported jobs | 76,227 jobs | — | — | 2023 | Represents ~10% of local employment |
| Tourism-related tax revenue (state + local) | $900 million | ~$380M | ~$519M | 2023 | Includes sales, lodging, and associated visitor-generated taxes |
| Share of NY State visitor spending | ~10% | — | — | 2023–24 | Long Island is one of the top-performing tourism regions after NYC |
| Top spending categories | Food & beverage (36%), Lodging (20%), Retail, recreation, transportation | — | — | 2023 | Based on regional tourism impact study |
| Hotel occupancy | 71.7% LI-wide | 78.2% | 67.3% | 2023–24 | Nassau leads region and outperforms national average (~63%) |
| Average Daily Rate (ADR) | — | ~$225 on average | $204.80 (2023) $227.80 (Sept 2024) | 2023–24 | Suffolk ADR grew significantly post-pandemic |
| RevPAR (Revenue per available room) | — | — | $137.84 (2023) | 2023 | Suffolk RevPAR above national average mid-2023 |
| Hotel occupancy tax | — | — | Increased from 3% → 5.5% | 2023 | Suffolk increase effective June 1, 2023 |
Long Island’s Visitor Economy at a Glance
- Visitor spending has reached new all-time highs in both 2023 and 2024.
- Spending on lodging, dining, and entertainment contributes significantly to support over 76,000 local jobs.
- Suffolk County leads the region slightly in total visitor spending due to its larger size and broad tourism assets (Montauk, Hamptons, wine country, parks, beaches, etc.).
- Nassau County, however, outperforms in hotel occupancy, with year-round bookings driven by sports events, conferences, and proximity to NYC airports.
- Hotel performance (ADR, occupancy) across the region continues to exceed national averages, reflecting ongoing demand and pricing power.
Why Tourism Matters to Long Island
Tourism is vital not only for the hospitality industry, but also for local residents and community services. In 2023 alone, visitor spending helped generate nearly $900 million in state and local taxes – reducing the burden on local households and helping fund public services, infrastructure improvements, parks, and open space preservation.
When visitors come to Long Island for a beach weekend, a winery tour, a sports tournament, a wedding, or a film production, they don’t just enjoy our region; they support thousands of local families and businesses.
Looking Ahead
Long Island’s tourism sector is showing sustained strength, with travel demand rising, year-round events increasing, and visitor expectations evolving. Continued investment in downtown revitalization, transit improvements, culinary experiences, hospitality workforce development, and destination marketing will help keep the region competitive in the broader New York and Northeast travel markets.
By tracking the data behind tourism and hospitality, Long Island stakeholders – from policymakers to business owners – can plan for the future and maximize the economic and cultural benefits of travel for years to come.
Want to Explore More Long Island Tourism Information?
Discover Long Island is the primary tourism board serving both Nassau and Suffolk Counties and is dedicated to promoting Long Island’s attractions, hospitality, and travel economy.
Website: DiscoverLongIsland.com
