Suffolk County, Partners Launch 'Stay Suffolk' Campaign

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, the Long Island Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and Sports Commission (LICVB), New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Fire Island National Seashore (FINS), Long Island Wine Council, Suffolk County Department of Parks and local and community officials jointly announced today the launch of the Stay Suffolk local tourism campaign.

Stay Suffolk is designed to enhance the region’s $5.6 billion tourism industry by encouraging residents to take advantage of living in a world-renowned tourism destination, exploring all of the attractions that draw visitors from across the globe each year. The Stay Suffolk campaign will be effectuated through a variety of platforms, including a public service announcement, social media engagement and the launch of StaySuffolkLI.com.

“It is easy to take living in our region for granted. When most people think of vacation spots, they think of beaches and islands. But they do not often think of their own backyards,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “By exploring all the activities our region has to offer, you can have the vacation you want without the hassle and expense of long-distance travel. So if you’re thinking of planning a vacation later this summer or this year, think about staying local first and Stay Suffolk.”

By supporting Stay Suffolk, not only can residents have a world-class vacation, they are supporting the nearly 74,000 tourism-related jobs according to Empire State Development.

“Visitors come from far and wide to Long Island’s Suffolk County to experience our beaches, historic sites, world-class golf, attractions and quaint downtown villages,” said Greg DeClemente, chairman of the LICVB. “There is so much here for visitors and residents to discover and we invite all to come out, to explore, to find something new, to create an adventure, or just relax and enjoy all we have to offer.”

Stay Suffolk’s 30-second public service announcement encourages county residents to explore Suffolk and its amenities from Fire Island and Huntington to Orient Point and Montauk – including a thousand miles of world-class beaches, Long Island Wine Country, craft breweries and vibrant downtowns.

The campaign will include an interactive social media launch, encouraging all residents who Stay Suffolk to post pictures and videos to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter of their favorite local vacation spots using the hashtag #StaySuffolk. The social media component will also feature fun facts and information pertaining to various Suffolk County travel destinations on a weekly basis.

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine said, “Brookhaven Town has beautiful beaches, parks and attractions that are perfect destinations for Long Island families to enjoy. I encourage residents to vacation locally and discover everything that we have to offer. So many businesses rely on the summer season and you can do your part by supporting them and helping our economy grow.”

“Right in our backyard are nearly 30 State Parks that serve as more than any ordinary stay-cation,” said Wayne Horsley, Long Island State Park Regional Director. “They’re world-class destinations, boasting jewels such as Robert Moses beach and famed golf courses at Bethpage. State Parks in Suffolk County offer miles of beaches, an exquisite arboretum, and diverse, year-round recreational opportunities including ocean-side camping, boating and fishing, bridle paths and biking,. We’re proud to be a part of the Stay Suffolk initiative in reminding Long Island to escape, explore and experience our local treasures.”

“National parks around the country are traditional vacation destinations. One of those destinations is right here in Suffolk County, Fire Island National Seashore. The Seashore encompasses beautiful beaches; the State’s only federally-designated wilderness for hiking and camping; the home of one of America’s patriots and signer of the Declaration of Independence, William Floyd; the globally rare Sunken Forest at Sailors Haven; and, the historic Fire Island Lighthouse. All of this is yours to explore and is right in your backyard,” said Fire Island National Seashore Superintendent Chris Soller.

“Suffolk County has one of the most exciting new regions in the world, and easily one of the most beautiful,” said Steve Bate, Executive Director of the Long Island Wine Council. “Surrounded by water on three sides, our maritime setting produces exceptional wines that can be enjoyed with our great local farm and seafood products. Why would anyone want to go anywhere else?”

“From the Civil War to Civil Rights, Revolutions to restorations, spies to Suffragettes, boat builders to bootleggers and whalers to wineries: history is alive here,” said Kathy Curran, Executive Director of the Suffolk County Historical Society. “Come and make history in Suffolk County.”

For more information on the Stay Suffolk local tourism campaign, visit www.StaySuffolkLI.com, www.suffolkcountyny.gov