County Executive Bellone Announces Next Phase Of “Stay Suffolk” Tourism Campaign To Promote Downtown Hubs

LongIsland.com

County Executive Announces Additional Summertime Bus Service to Robert Moses State Park and Montauk Point Lighthouse.

Print Email

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

Photo by: Suffolk County

Suffolk County, NY – May 25, 2017 – Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced the next phase of the “Stay Suffolk” tourism campaign to entice visitors to come shop, dine, and enjoy local downtown destinations this summer. The County Executive also announced the addition of two seasonal Suffolk Transit bus lines that will provide direct transportation to Robert Moses State Park and Montauk Point Lighthouse. The County will also be providing a free shuttle bus service for visitors and residents from the Smith Point County Park campsites to the beach.
 
“There truly is nothing like experiencing summer on Long Island and when mixed with Suffolk County’s world-class amenities, the possibilities are endless,” said County Executive Bellone. “From our world-class beaches, to our wine country, thriving agriculture industry, pristine golf courses and vibrant downtowns, Suffolk County truly offers something fun for everyone.  By exploring all the activities our region has to offer, you can have a perfect vacation without the expense of long-distance travel while creating memories that last a lifetime.”
 
As the summer season lurks around the corner, the County Executive used the opportunity to highlight amenities in Patchogue. He was joined at the event by County Legislators, County Parks Department personnel, Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, and a number of local business leaders to showcase one of the County’s vibrant downtowns.
 
The “Stay Suffolk” campaign encourages residents to take advantage of the many world-class amenities that Suffolk County has to offer.  The campaign, which helps promote Long Island’s $5.5 billion tourism industry, will encompass an interactive social media re-launch, encouraging all residents who visit Suffolk County to post pictures on their Facebook, Instagram or Twitter accounts of their favorite local vacation spots using the hashtag #StaySuffolk. The social media component will also include weekly information on various Suffolk County travel destinations at facebook.com/stevebellone.
 
“Our county is unique in that, if you travel just 20 minutes in any direction, you feel like you’re in a different state; from the wineries and farm country on the North Fork; to the Hamptons; to charming downtowns like Sayville and Bayport – you can get take a break from your daily lives and explore a whole new culture right here in Suffolk County,” said Legislator Lindsay. “My family and I always anxiously await summertime, when our downtowns come to life; boaters and fisherman set out into the Great South Bay; and we have the opportunity to enjoy the many family-friendly festivals, street fairs, concerts and several other local events that bring our communities together r– nothing beats Long Island summers.”
 
According to a study conducted by Tourism Economics through New York State Empire State Development, the tourism industry is responsible for approximately 77,000 jobs, including more than 40,000 jobs in Suffolk County each year.  In Suffolk County, tourism generates more than $365 million in local and state taxes alone.
 
The Suffolk County Department of Public Works, Division of Vector Control also monitors mosquito populations throughout the summer and is ready to respond when mosquito-borne disease is found and keeping populations of biting mosquitoes down so residents and visitors can further enjoy Suffolk’s many outdoor amenities.
 
Phil Berdolt, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Parks Department, said, "From our nationally ranked white-sand beaches to our superb park system, Suffolk County has something for everyone.  Stay Suffolk is more than just a catchy slogan - it is an invitation to visitors to plan their visit and be amazed at what we have to offer."
 
“Tourism is one of Long Island’s most critical economic drivers and job creators,” said Discover Long Island President & CEO, Kristen Jarnagin. “Every dollar spent promoting tourism returns $35 in local spending, which supports the countless small businesses that make up our mosaic of downtowns and communities. It’s important to not only welcome these visitors, who provide almost $700 million in annual local and state tax revenues, but also think about the benefits of keeping your dollars local when making summer travel plans.”
 
Suffolk County is home to world-renowned assets that millions of people across the country come to visit and enjoy each year. Suffolk County has something for everyone, from exploring the vibrant downtowns along the south shore to catching a professional baseball game or learning the historical impacts that Long Island has on the development of our country – there is a wide-range of diverse activities for all to enjoy.