Rhode Island Division of Tourism Releases Official 2009 Travel Guide
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March 30, 2009 | Print this page | Share This |
Travel Guide a Resource for Those Vacationing from Far Away or Close to Home
The Official 2009 Rhode Island Travel Guide is now available, providing visitors from far and near extensive details about vacation opportunities in the Ocean State. The Travel Guide, which has been updated with new images and event information, provides recommended itineraries and features a comprehensive listing of cultural and recreational activities, events, transportation options and lodging for each region of the state.
According to a recent impact report conducted by Global Insight, tourism is a $6.8 billion industry in Rhode Island, representing 5 percent of the gross state product: every year, more than 16 million people come to the Ocean State for authentic vacation experiences that include pristine beaches, historic and cultural sites, outdoor activities and world-class culinary experiences. In 2007, tourist spending generated 12 percent of all state and local tax revenue and accounted for 4 percent of all restaurant sales. The tourism and hospitality industry employs one out of every 10 Rhode Islanders.
Research released by the U.S. Travel Association indicates that consumer travel expectations for the upcoming summer season are high despite downturn in the economy. Travelers are expected to take shorter trips, stay closer to home and seek value.
“Rhode Island is well positioned to benefit from the destination’s close proximity to the 50 million people who live within a 350-mile radius of the state. The State Tourism Division’s integrated marketing campaign will strategically promote value getaways within a short drive,” said state tourism director Mark Brodeur. “The Travel Guide is an excellent resource for people looking for a quick getaway or ‘staycation,’ providing hundreds of ideas of things to do, places to stay and events to attend.”
“This year, more so than ever, families are looking for vacations close to home, and Rhode Island is the ideal location,” said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. “I applaud the Rhode Island Division of Tourism for creating a travel guide that highlights the natural beauty and rich culture of Rhode Island, and is filled with something for every traveler."
The Travel Guide, produced annually, is extremely useful for visitors. Of the 3,024 people who submitted the user survey in the 2008 Travel Guide, 95.2 percent planned to use or used the Travel Guide to plan their visit, and 87.8 percent planned to use or used the Travel Guide as a resource in finding and visiting Web sites to plan their visit.
The Travel Guide is supported in its entirety by the state’s travel and tourism industry and was produced by the Rhode Island Tourism Division in cooperation with Rhode Island Monthly Communications, Inc. Paul Rezendes provided the cover photo of the sun peeking through the fog at Middletown’s Second Beach.
The Travel Guide is mailed to more than 50,000 consumers who request it by phone, mail, e-mail or the Web. In addition, the Guide is distributed at national and international consumer and trade events, hotel/motel rooms throughout the state, the state’s information centers and welcome centers. The electronic version of the Travel Guide, accessible on the state’s official tourism Web site, VisitRhodeIsland.com, is downloaded more than 4,000 times each month. This year, it is also available in doctors’ offices and hair salons in neighboring Connecticut and Massachusetts to encourage regional visitors.
To order a copy of the Travel Guide, visit www.VisitRhodeIsland.com or call 800-250-7384.
