Economic Development Task Force: Tourism & Travel on Long Island

Strata Alliance was proud to host the HIA-LI Economic Development Task Force event, “Travel & Tourism on Long Island,” which was moderated by our CEO, Joe Campolo. The panelists included Angie Carpenter, Town of Islip Supervisor; Robert Schneider, Commissioner of Long Island MacArthur Airport; and Sharon Wyman, Chief Operating Officer of Discover Long Island. Together, they engaged in a dynamic conversation exploring how tourism, transportation, hospitality, and destination marketing intersect to drive meaningful economic growth across Long Island.

A key focus was the rise of Long Island MacArthur Airport, now recognized as the fastest-growing airport in the country. Panelists emphasized its role as a critical gateway, connecting travelers nationwide to Long Island and positioning Suffolk County as a premier destination for both leisure and business travel.

The panelists also addressed the absence of a major convention center in Suffolk County. The group stressed that developing this type of facility is not only essential for retaining existing business events locally, but also for attracting large-scale conferences, trade shows, and corporate gatherings that currently bypass Long Island in favor of other destinations. They further highlighted the need to expand hotel inventory across the region to meet growing demand and support an increase in visitors.

Wyman also highlighted the diverse attractions that make Long Island a standout destination, from its renowned wineries and the beaches of Fire Island to its proximity to New York City, offering travelers a uniquely varied and accessible experience.