December 11th, 2024 – Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter announced today that Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) is the recipient of the 2024 Tourism Trailblazer Award! The award was presented December 3 at Discover Long Island’s annual gala celebrating travel and tourism industry achievements.

“Receiving this 2024 honor validates years of hard work at Long Island MacArthur Airport,” said Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “We’re grateful to Discover Long Island and the travel and tourism community for the support and acknowledgment of the airport’s accomplishments this year, including new JetBlue air service, many new nonstop routes, a successful tourism outreach campaign, and the launch of a new website delivering attractive customized content to potential airport customers in destination cities,” she added.

A Tourism Trailblazer Award acknowledges new or renovated attractions or promotional campaigns that enhance tourism by creating opportunities for destination development, visitor retention, or promotions leading to tourism growth or enhanced visitor experiences.

“In 2024, the airport’s innovative air service development efforts resulted in significant capacity additions,” said Airport Commissioner, Shelley LaRose-Arken. “JetBlue became ISP’s fourth air carrier with nonstop service to Palm Beach, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. Breeze Airways inaugurated three long sought-after nonstop Florida destinations from MacArthur Airport – Vero Beach, Sarasota, and year-round service to Fort Myers. Southwest Airlines added its only nonstop service to Miami from the New York City region,” said LaRose-Arken.

“As a Board Chair of Discover Long Island, I see the benefits of Long Island MacArthur Airport and Discover Long Island collaborating to realize Long Island’s full promise, job creation opportunities and quality of life,” said Mitch Pally, DLI Board Chair and Town of Islip Airport Advisory Board Chairman. “The airport’s accomplishments represent a powerful force for good for our region, with more on the horizon in the future,” he said.

Additionally, MacArthur Airport is completing terminal construction projects elevating its level of customer service and the overall experience for passengers using the airport.

Airport leadership was joined at the gala by Andrew Uzenoff and Lindsay Haggerty from JetBlue’s leadership team; Islip Supervisor Carpenter and Deputy Airport Commissioner Robert Schneider.

The event was held at the Bourne Mansion located in the hamlet of Oakdale in the Town of Islip. Oakdale is known for its gilded era homes and gardens, providing an ideal location for the Gatsby-themed Discover Long Island Awards Gala.