Long Island, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, September 3, 2025
News Summary
U.S. islands, including Long Island, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, saw unprecedented tourism growth in 2024. Long Island reported tourism expenditures of $7.9 billion, with 78,418 jobs created. Puerto Rico welcomed 6.4 million visitors, resulting in record spending of nearly $9.8 billion. Other destinations like the Florida Keys and Hilton Head also reported significant increases in both visitors and revenue, highlighting the importance of tourism to local economies and the urgency for sustainable growth practices.
U.S. Islands Experience Record Tourism Growth in 2024
U.S. islands, particularly Long Island, Puerto Rico, and several other destinations, witnessed remarkable tourism growth in 2024. Long Island reported a tourism expenditure of approximately $7.9 billion, representing a 3.8% increase from the previous year. The surge in visitors translated into 78,418 jobs in the tourism sector, marking an increase of around 2,000 jobs from 2023.
Additionally, Puerto Rico welcomed over 6.4 million visitors in 2024, achieving record spending of nearly $9.8 billion. Meanwhile, the U.S. Virgin Islands experienced a substantial rise, receiving 2.1 million cruise passengers and 500,000 air arrivals, with expenditures reaching approximately $1.6 billion.
Across the Florida Keys, about 3.6 million visitors generated $4.3 billion in revenue. Other notable island destinations included Amelia Island with 1.7 million tourists contributing over $1.2 billion in spending, and Hilton Head recording 2.7 million visitors with total expenditures of $1.6 billion.
Tourism Impact on Local Economies
The tourism boom significantly impacted local economies, benefiting small businesses and local suppliers beyond just hotels and big venues. Long Island’s tourism alone generated around $945 million in state and local tax revenue, easing financial burdens on residents.
In Long Island, food and drink expenditures accounted for 36% of tourist spending, while lodging represented 21%. Major events like the Ryder Cup and the upcoming 2026 U.S. Open heightened the region’s appeal, establishing it as an influential cultural and sporting hub.
Puerto Rico’s welcoming of over 6.4 million visitors resulted in an average visitor stay of over five days, invigorating local shops, restaurants, and hotels. Additionally, increases in cruise ship arrivals helped regions outside of San Juan enjoy greater economic activity.
Comparison with Other Tourist Destinations
While many islands thrived in 2024, some areas faced challenges. For instance, Maui in Hawaii did not experience the same level of tourism growth as other regions. This disparity shows that not all islands benefitted equally from the tourism surge.
Officials in tourism-rich areas are now focusing on developing sustainable tourism practices to ensure continued growth without compromising local ecosystems or communities. Following this exceptional boom, the overall economic benefits foreseen in various island economies spotlight the tourism sector’s crucial role in preserving the cultural and economic fabric of these destinations.
Key Statistics Summary
| Destination | Visitors (2024) | Tourism Revenue (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Long Island | 78,418 Jobs | $7.9 billion |
| Puerto Rico | 6.4 million | $9.8 billion |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | 2.1 million Cruise | $1.6 billion |
| Florida Keys | 3.6 million | $4.3 billion |
| Amelia Island | 1.7 million | $1.2 billion |
| Hilton Head | 2.7 million | $1.6 billion |
Frequently Asked Questions
What contributed to the tourism growth in U.S. islands in 2024?
Major events, improved infrastructure, and an increase in cruise ship arrivals led to significant tourism growth across U.S. islands in 2024.
How did Long Island’s tourism sector perform in 2024?
Long Island’s tourism expenditure reached approximately $7.9 billion, with a 3.8% increase from the previous year, leading to over 78,000 jobs in the sector.
What measures are officials taking to ensure sustainable tourism?
Officials are focusing on building sustainable tourism practices to maintain the high growth in tourism while protecting local communities and ecosystems.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Long Island Business News: Long Island Tourism Hit $7.9B with Record Growth in 2024
- Wikipedia: Tourism in the United States
- Travel and Tour World: Long Island Joins Record Tourism Boom
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tourism
- Greater Long Island: Travel Guide – Tour the North Shore
- Google Search: Long Island tourism
- Syosset Advance: Discover Long Island Navigates New Challenges
- Google News: Long Island tourism
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