By GREGORY ZELLER //
The long-awaited return of Indiana Jones isn’t the only thing lighting up screens this early summer – Discover Long Island’s new video series is pretty cool, too.
Live as of June 1 but “officially” launched last week by the destination-marketing organization, the “You BeLONG” video series – six roughly three-minute installments so far, each featuring exotic eateries, day-trip destinations and/or local chefs and artists – has already racked up more than 60,000 views on Discover Long Island’s YouTube page.
Produced by the Hauppauge-based tourism team in partnership with Florida-based Paradise Advertising & Marketing and the Melville-based EGC Group, the series will be promoted via a digital marketing campaign – social media video feeds, skippable and non-skippable YouTube and Google ads and more – luring consumers from Long Island and beyond, including target-rich environments like New York City, Boston and Washington.
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Ultimately, the series “highlights what makes Long Island the best destination in the world – our people,” according to Discover Long Island President and CEO Kristen Reynolds.
“We could not be more proud of this new video series,” Reynolds noted. “Having our locals take the reins of our marketing efforts by sharing why ‘You BeLONG’ is far more impactful than any paid advertisement.
“It pulls back the curtain on the character and diversity of our destination.”
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone helped Discover Long Island kick off the new digital-marketing campaign during a June 21 launch event at the Long Island Welcome Center in Dix Hills. Noting a “booming tourism economy” across the Island, the exec applauded the tourism bureau for “working tirelessly to promote and highlight all of our world-class attractions.”
“The ‘You BeLONG’ campaign showcases all that Long Island has to offer, from our scenic vineyards to our waterfront restaurants,” Bellone added. “[It] will encourage new visitors from near and far to discover these local treasures.”
With the first six streaming episodes chronicling Italian and Mexican-inspired vineyards, a popular local chalk artist, an inspiring children’s book author and the legend of the Long Island bagel sandwich, among other topics, Discover Long Island – like any studio with a hit on its hands – is already plotting out some sequel adventures.
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Among other plans, an additional social media campaign will invite regional businesses to submit stories of why they “BeLONG” on Long Island, with a shot at being featured in future episodes of the video series or other Discover Long Island marketing efforts.
Considering the vast tapestry of regional attractions, the more submissions the better, according to Reynolds.
“We look forward to sharing these stories of Long Island love with our residents and our global audience,” the CEO added. “And to continue to grow this effort for increased exposure for our local businesses and communities.”
