RI Hospitality Association Recognizes Katrina White as Tourism Employee of the Year
December 22, 2008 | Print this page | Share This |
The Rhode Island Hospitality Association has selected Katrina White as the recipient of the 2008 Tourism Employee of the Year award. White was presented the award recently as part of the 19th annual “Stars of the Industry” meeting at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
As Travel and Trade Manager of the state’s Tourism Division, a department of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, White was recognized for her creative approach to executing several initiatives that have attracted leisure travel to the Ocean State. During her five-year tenure, she is credited with increasing group tours to Rhode Island through her efforts with the National Tourism Association and American Bus Association, the nation’s leading group tour organizations. She also spearheaded the Tourism Division’s culinary tourism efforts and collaborated with several state organizations, including the Rhode Island Council on the Humanities and the Rhode Island Center for Agricultural Promotion, to develop itineraries that have appealed to many niche travel groups.
“Katrina has been an incredible driving force behind several partnerships and marketing efforts that have significantly improved the visibility of Rhode Island as a great place to explore and vacation,” said RIEDC Tourism Sector Lead Mark Brodeur. “She is a dedicated champion who has a tremendous talent for showcasing the beauty of our state to others.”
In Rhode Island, tourism and hospitality represent a $4.24 billion industry and the fourth largest private sector employer with more than 52,000 people working in the industry. The industry outperformed most of the country in 2007 and 2006 and is better positioned to weather the current recession when compared to other U.S. tourist destinations, according to a recent report.
The Rhode Island Hospitality Association is the official trade group of the foodservice, lodging and restaurant industries. The organization’s mission is to develop and provide programs, services and support to its members.
Visit www.visitrhodeisland.com for more information and a list of upcoming events in Rhode Island.
